Dana Michael Ruehle, 64, Tragically Dies in Gulf Shores Plane Crash on March 7, 2026
Dana Michael Ruehle, a beloved resident of Gulf Shores, AL, tragically lost his life in a plane crash on the evening of March 7, 2026. Dana, 64, was aboard a small single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza flying from Daytona Beach to Gulf Shores when the aircraft disappeared from radar around 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The plane was last seen about seven miles west of Gulf Shores International Airport, over Mobile Bay. Despite efforts from local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard, who launched a search operation, the wreckage of the plane and the bodies of Dana and his co-passenger, Jon Leslie George, were found near Sailboat Bay and Plash Island.
Police Chief Dan Netemeyer expressed condolences, acknowledging the deep sadness the tragedy has brought to the local community. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with assistance from the Gulf Shores Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
As the community grieves, loved ones and friends reflect on Dana’s life and the joy he brought to everyone around him. Memorial service details will be shared by the family in the coming days.
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