Meriwether Sanders Buckalew was a beam of light whose life, though tragically short, was marked by joy and a bright spirit that touched those around her. Born on February 25, 2005, in New York City, Meriwether was a vibrant child cherished by all who knew her. Her early years were spent in the bustling atmosphere of New York, where she began her education at the Sacred Heart School, a place that nurtured her initial steps in learning and social interaction.

The little girl's life took a familial turn when she and her family moved to Charlottesville, VA. There, she attended St. Anne's Belfield School, where she continued to flourish academically and socially. Meriwether was described by those who knew her as a sweet and loving child, her personality often lighting up the room. Her interests were tender and joyful; she adored gymnastics and had a fondness for horses, activities that reflected her lively and spirited nature.

Meriwether's life, however, was cut tragically short. On December 20, 2011, at the tender age of six, she was involved in a devastating aircraft accident that also claimed the lives of her parents and her brother. The accident occurred just off Interstate 287 in Morris Township, NJ. This heartbreaking event not only took Meriwether but also left a community in mourning, a stark reminder of how fragile life can be.

The crash that ended Meriwether's life was a significant tragedy that resonated well beyond her immediate family. The aircraft, piloted by her father, Jeffrey Buckalew, an experienced pilot and managing director at the investment bank Greenhill & Co., also carried her mother, Corinne, and her brother, Jackson. Along with a family friend and colleague of her father's, Rakesh Chawla, and the family dog, they were all lost in an instant on that fateful morning. The plane had departed from Teterboro Airport and was en route to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta when it tragically plummeted near the highway, creating a debris field and a scene of devastation that stunned first responders and the local community.

The news of the accident sent shockwaves through the communities the Buckalew family was part of, from New York City to Charlottesville. Meriwether, with her bright smile and cheerful demeanor, had left an indelible mark on her teachers, classmates, and friends. Her passion for life and her interests in gymnastics and horses are remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her joyous nature and infectious laughter are sorely missed in the halls of St. Anne's Belfield School and among the community members who had come to know her.

In reflecting on the lives lost, it is clear that Meriwether and her family were much loved and deeply integrated into their communities. Her parents were remembered as generous and devoted individuals, deeply committed to their children and to various charitable causes. They were described as pillars of the community, individuals who not only pursued successful careers but also gave back generously to those around them.

The Buckalew family's legacy, though marred by tragedy, continues to inspire those who knew them. The memories of their kindness, generosity, and the love they shared with their friends and communities provide some comfort to those left to mourn their untimely deaths. The impact of their loss is felt not just in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy but will continue to resonate for years to come, a testament to the lives they led and the relationships they nurtured.

Meriwether's final resting place is at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Columbarium in Greensboro, NC. It is a site of remembrance and reflection, a place where those who loved her can come to pay their respects and remember a young girl whose life, though brief, was full of the promise of all the joys and discoveries of youth. Her memory is cherished, her spirit celebrated, and her brief presence in this world profoundly mourned.

As we remember Meriwether Sanders Buckalew, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. Her story, marked by both joyous living and tragic loss, urges us to hold our families close and to make the most of the time we are given. Though her life was brief, the memory of her spirit and joy continues to inspire and influence all who were privileged to know her, serving as a lasting legacy to the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

Written by: Alan Owen