A Denver woman killed in a midair plane collision during an aerobatic competition in Fort Morgan is being remembered by friends as a dedicated pilot, coach and mentor whose impact reached far beyond the skies.

The Morgan County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 35-year-old Kristen Morris. Authorities said Morris was a passenger in one of two aircraft that collided Sunday as they attempted to land at the Fort Morgan airport.

According to a statement from the International Aerobatic Club, the crash occurred during the Kyle Scott Aerobatic Dust-up, an annual competition formerly called the High Plains Hotpoxia. The event was renamed last year to honor a Fort Morgan pilot who died in a crash one year ago.

Friends described Morris as a passionate aviator whose life centered on bringing people together. “She was just a bright light,” said Melanie Presuto, who met Morris through a mutual friend in the military. “Everybody in the room just felt comfortable with her presence, and she could strike up a conversation with anyone. She could find positivity in everything.”

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