RAPID CITY - Nicole Danae Riggan, 27, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, along with her husband, Anthony. Nicole's journey on this earth was short but full of adventure, joy, and purpose.
The joy she brought to her family and to all those she touched cannot be measured and is now reflected in all who knew her.
Nicole was born July 7, 1983, to John and Suzanne Paterson at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. Born into an Air Force family, Nicole lived in many locations around the United States and in England, finally settling down at Monument, Colo.
She attended Lewis-Palmer High School and graduated valedictorian in 2002. It was during her high school years she developed a love for theatre. Nicole excelled in all areas of theatre including playwriting, directing and acting. She was also Drama Club President at Lewis-Palmer and enjoyed singing in the school choir. Nicole's love for serving others was shown through her participation in Serteen, a volunteering program for teens, and on mission trips to Peru and Guatemala.
Nicole went on to study theater education and acting at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, graduating magna cum laude. She acted in The Thorn at New Life Church and in A Christmas Carol at Woodmen Valley Chapel along with acting in several murder mysteries.
After graduation, Nicole met M. Anthony Riggan while attending Baptist Student Union Bible study at the Air Force Academy. Nicole and Anthony became engaged while he attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss.
They married on March 28, 2009, and started their Air Force life at Dyess AFB, where her husband trained to be a B-1 bomber pilot. They were currently assigned to Ellsworth AFB.
After moving to Rapid City, Nicole immediately became involved in the local community theater directing the play Little Red and the Riding Hoods.
She recently acted in A Christmas Carol for the second time and was rehearsing for the spring play. Nicole also loved to host game nights and events in which she would cook for their family and friends while her contagious laugher filled their home.
Nicole shared Anthony's passion for the outdoors and together, with their puppy, Sophie, they enjoyed camping and hunting. Anthony considered her to be his favorite co-pilot when they went flying together. In turn, Anthony supported Nicole's love for theater and learned to dance, one of Nicole's favorite activities.
Nicole had many creative talents that showed through every project or activity, such as scrap booking, photography, arranging social activities or planning dates with Anthony.
Nicole was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was her husband Anthony. Not ones to let opportunities pass them by, Nicole and Anthony quickly got involved at church when they moved to a new area, joining Bible studies and helping with youth groups.
Nicole's devotionals, sent to hundreds of friends and family members around the world, have been a source of inspiration and guidance. During their short marriage, Nicole and Anthony have touched the lives of all those who have known them, and they will be greatly missed!
Nicole said her wedding day was the greatest day of her life, but we know she would now say, the greatest day was Dec. 22, 2010, when she entered Heaven with Anthony, the love of her life.
Nicole is survived by her parents, John and Suzanne Paterson; her sister, Danielle; and her brother, Gabriel. She is also survived by her extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Nicole and Anthony's lives was held in Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 29. A celebration will also be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Woodmen Valley Chapel Worship Center, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, Colo. Interment will be at the Air Force Academy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the following memorials: Anthony and Nicole Riggan Memorial Mission Scholarship, c/o BSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1832, Monument, CO 80132; Nicole Riggan Memorial Theatre Scholarship, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Monument, CO 80132.
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
An Ellsworth airman and his wife died Wednesday when the plane they were traveling in crashed near a runway at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado.
The plane, a single-engine Mooney M-20 was flown by 1st Lt. Martin Anthony Riggan, who was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Will Richardson, a friend who was with Riggan's family in Little Rock, Ark., confirmed the airman and his wife, Nicole, died in the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration records show Riggan was the owner of the 1964 aircraft that missed the runway and burst into flames.
The couple took off from Rapid City Regional Airport at about 9:18 a.m. Wednesday and crashed around noon in Colorado. The flight was scheduled to last about 2 hours and 33 minutes and fly around 12,000 feet, according to a plan posted with FlightAware, an online flight tracking service.
FAA officials lost contact with the plane at 12:01 p.m. Just minutes later, witnesses near the airport reported an accident.
At the time of the crash visibility was limited at the airport by freezing fog. The plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
The couple moved to Rapid City from Colorado in April. Nicole Riggan, who has a degree in acting and secondary education theater from the University of Northern Colorado, joined the Black Hills Community Theater this fall.
After directing "Little Red and the Riding Hoods" this fall, she acted in "A Christmas Carol." She was preparing just this week for a production of "Almost Maine," which is scheduled to open in February. The theater moved its rehearsal schedule around so Nicole Riggan could make the trip Wednesday with her husband.
"She was laughing and joking with us right here at the theater on Tuesday night," said Dennis Gleason, managing artistic director at the theater. "She was a funny, tender person."
"She was bubbly, looking forward to Christmas," said Gleason. "She trusted people and it usually paid off in the end."
Gleason said he hosted the couple at his home a few weeks ago where Anthony Riggan expressed his excitement about flying the small plane. WestJet Air Center in Rapid City confirmed Wednesday that Anthony Riggan keeps his plane in a hangar there.
When traveling, the couple often chose to fly in "his little Moody," said Anthony Riggan's great aunt, Pat Riggan.
Gleason said the couple was returning to Colorado to visit family for the holidays. They flew the small plane back to Arkansas on Thanksgiving to visit his family.
"He was everybody's darling," Pat Riggan said. "You just have to believe that God has a better plan, and we're not aware of it yet."
Officials at Ellsworth Wednesday would not release the name of the airman, but said they lost a member of their team to a small civilian plane crash in Colorado Springs. More information about the airman will be released 24 hours after the family was notified, base officials said.
Officials at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs said Anthony Riggan graduated in 2007.
Low visibility caused by thick fog led the airport in Colorado to cancel and delay several flights. The fiery crash along with the weather shut down the airport for almost two hours. Stranded passengers were shuttled to Denver to make connections, according to John McGinley, assistant director of operations and maintenance at the airport.
National Transportation Safety Board officials were still on the scene Wednesday night and are still investigating the cause of the crash.
"We don't have a lot of information yet," said Allen Kenitzer, spokesman for the FAA's regional office in Renton, Wash. "The airplane apparently crashed under unknown circumstances after missing an approach into Colorado Springs."
Kenitzer said the plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
At the time of the crash, visibility at the airport was limited by freezing fog. McGinley would not say if pilots were advised of the poor visibility before the crash.
The Colorado Springs Gazette contributed to this report.
Contact Nick Penzenstadler at 394-8415 or [email protected]
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect a correction. The plane involved was a Mooney M-20)
The joy she brought to her family and to all those she touched cannot be measured and is now reflected in all who knew her.
Nicole was born July 7, 1983, to John and Suzanne Paterson at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. Born into an Air Force family, Nicole lived in many locations around the United States and in England, finally settling down at Monument, Colo.
She attended Lewis-Palmer High School and graduated valedictorian in 2002. It was during her high school years she developed a love for theatre. Nicole excelled in all areas of theatre including playwriting, directing and acting. She was also Drama Club President at Lewis-Palmer and enjoyed singing in the school choir. Nicole's love for serving others was shown through her participation in Serteen, a volunteering program for teens, and on mission trips to Peru and Guatemala.
Nicole went on to study theater education and acting at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, graduating magna cum laude. She acted in The Thorn at New Life Church and in A Christmas Carol at Woodmen Valley Chapel along with acting in several murder mysteries.
After graduation, Nicole met M. Anthony Riggan while attending Baptist Student Union Bible study at the Air Force Academy. Nicole and Anthony became engaged while he attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss.
They married on March 28, 2009, and started their Air Force life at Dyess AFB, where her husband trained to be a B-1 bomber pilot. They were currently assigned to Ellsworth AFB.
After moving to Rapid City, Nicole immediately became involved in the local community theater directing the play Little Red and the Riding Hoods.
She recently acted in A Christmas Carol for the second time and was rehearsing for the spring play. Nicole also loved to host game nights and events in which she would cook for their family and friends while her contagious laugher filled their home.
Nicole shared Anthony's passion for the outdoors and together, with their puppy, Sophie, they enjoyed camping and hunting. Anthony considered her to be his favorite co-pilot when they went flying together. In turn, Anthony supported Nicole's love for theater and learned to dance, one of Nicole's favorite activities.
Nicole had many creative talents that showed through every project or activity, such as scrap booking, photography, arranging social activities or planning dates with Anthony.
Nicole was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was her husband Anthony. Not ones to let opportunities pass them by, Nicole and Anthony quickly got involved at church when they moved to a new area, joining Bible studies and helping with youth groups.
Nicole's devotionals, sent to hundreds of friends and family members around the world, have been a source of inspiration and guidance. During their short marriage, Nicole and Anthony have touched the lives of all those who have known them, and they will be greatly missed!
Nicole said her wedding day was the greatest day of her life, but we know she would now say, the greatest day was Dec. 22, 2010, when she entered Heaven with Anthony, the love of her life.
Nicole is survived by her parents, John and Suzanne Paterson; her sister, Danielle; and her brother, Gabriel. She is also survived by her extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Nicole and Anthony's lives was held in Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 29. A celebration will also be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Woodmen Valley Chapel Worship Center, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, Colo. Interment will be at the Air Force Academy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the following memorials: Anthony and Nicole Riggan Memorial Mission Scholarship, c/o BSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1832, Monument, CO 80132; Nicole Riggan Memorial Theatre Scholarship, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Monument, CO 80132.
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
An Ellsworth airman and his wife died Wednesday when the plane they were traveling in crashed near a runway at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado.
The plane, a single-engine Mooney M-20 was flown by 1st Lt. Martin Anthony Riggan, who was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Will Richardson, a friend who was with Riggan's family in Little Rock, Ark., confirmed the airman and his wife, Nicole, died in the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration records show Riggan was the owner of the 1964 aircraft that missed the runway and burst into flames.
The couple took off from Rapid City Regional Airport at about 9:18 a.m. Wednesday and crashed around noon in Colorado. The flight was scheduled to last about 2 hours and 33 minutes and fly around 12,000 feet, according to a plan posted with FlightAware, an online flight tracking service.
FAA officials lost contact with the plane at 12:01 p.m. Just minutes later, witnesses near the airport reported an accident.
At the time of the crash visibility was limited at the airport by freezing fog. The plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
The couple moved to Rapid City from Colorado in April. Nicole Riggan, who has a degree in acting and secondary education theater from the University of Northern Colorado, joined the Black Hills Community Theater this fall.
After directing "Little Red and the Riding Hoods" this fall, she acted in "A Christmas Carol." She was preparing just this week for a production of "Almost Maine," which is scheduled to open in February. The theater moved its rehearsal schedule around so Nicole Riggan could make the trip Wednesday with her husband.
"She was laughing and joking with us right here at the theater on Tuesday night," said Dennis Gleason, managing artistic director at the theater. "She was a funny, tender person."
"She was bubbly, looking forward to Christmas," said Gleason. "She trusted people and it usually paid off in the end."
Gleason said he hosted the couple at his home a few weeks ago where Anthony Riggan expressed his excitement about flying the small plane. WestJet Air Center in Rapid City confirmed Wednesday that Anthony Riggan keeps his plane in a hangar there.
When traveling, the couple often chose to fly in "his little Moody," said Anthony Riggan's great aunt, Pat Riggan.
Gleason said the couple was returning to Colorado to visit family for the holidays. They flew the small plane back to Arkansas on Thanksgiving to visit his family.
"He was everybody's darling," Pat Riggan said. "You just have to believe that God has a better plan, and we're not aware of it yet."
Officials at Ellsworth Wednesday would not release the name of the airman, but said they lost a member of their team to a small civilian plane crash in Colorado Springs. More information about the airman will be released 24 hours after the family was notified, base officials said.
Officials at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs said Anthony Riggan graduated in 2007.
Low visibility caused by thick fog led the airport in Colorado to cancel and delay several flights. The fiery crash along with the weather shut down the airport for almost two hours. Stranded passengers were shuttled to Denver to make connections, according to John McGinley, assistant director of operations and maintenance at the airport.
National Transportation Safety Board officials were still on the scene Wednesday night and are still investigating the cause of the crash.
"We don't have a lot of information yet," said Allen Kenitzer, spokesman for the FAA's regional office in Renton, Wash. "The airplane apparently crashed under unknown circumstances after missing an approach into Colorado Springs."
Kenitzer said the plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
At the time of the crash, visibility at the airport was limited by freezing fog. McGinley would not say if pilots were advised of the poor visibility before the crash.
The Colorado Springs Gazette contributed to this report.
Contact Nick Penzenstadler at 394-8415 or [email protected]
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect a correction. The plane involved was a Mooney M-20)
RAPID CITY - Nicole Danae Riggan, 27, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, along with her husband, Anthony. Nicole's journey on this earth was short but full of adventure, joy, and purpose.
The joy she brought to her family and to all those she touched cannot be measured and is now reflected in all who knew her.
Nicole was born July 7, 1983, to John and Suzanne Paterson at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. Born into an Air Force family, Nicole lived in many locations around the United States and in England, finally settling down at Monument, Colo.
She attended Lewis-Palmer High School and graduated valedictorian in 2002. It was during her high school years she developed a love for theatre. Nicole excelled in all areas of theatre including playwriting, directing and acting. She was also Drama Club President at Lewis-Palmer and enjoyed singing in the school choir. Nicole's love for serving others was shown through her participation in Serteen, a volunteering program for teens, and on mission trips to Peru and Guatemala.
Nicole went on to study theater education and acting at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, graduating magna cum laude. She acted in The Thorn at New Life Church and in A Christmas Carol at Woodmen Valley Chapel along with acting in several murder mysteries.
After graduation, Nicole met M. Anthony Riggan while attending Baptist Student Union Bible study at the Air Force Academy. Nicole and Anthony became engaged while he attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss.
They married on March 28, 2009, and started their Air Force life at Dyess AFB, where her husband trained to be a B-1 bomber pilot. They were currently assigned to Ellsworth AFB.
After moving to Rapid City, Nicole immediately became involved in the local community theater directing the play Little Red and the Riding Hoods.
She recently acted in A Christmas Carol for the second time and was rehearsing for the spring play. Nicole also loved to host game nights and events in which she would cook for their family and friends while her contagious laugher filled their home.
Nicole shared Anthony's passion for the outdoors and together, with their puppy, Sophie, they enjoyed camping and hunting. Anthony considered her to be his favorite co-pilot when they went flying together. In turn, Anthony supported Nicole's love for theater and learned to dance, one of Nicole's favorite activities.
Nicole had many creative talents that showed through every project or activity, such as scrap booking, photography, arranging social activities or planning dates with Anthony.
Nicole was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was her husband Anthony. Not ones to let opportunities pass them by, Nicole and Anthony quickly got involved at church when they moved to a new area, joining Bible studies and helping with youth groups.
Nicole's devotionals, sent to hundreds of friends and family members around the world, have been a source of inspiration and guidance. During their short marriage, Nicole and Anthony have touched the lives of all those who have known them, and they will be greatly missed!
Nicole said her wedding day was the greatest day of her life, but we know she would now say, the greatest day was Dec. 22, 2010, when she entered Heaven with Anthony, the love of her life.
Nicole is survived by her parents, John and Suzanne Paterson; her sister, Danielle; and her brother, Gabriel. She is also survived by her extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Nicole and Anthony's lives was held in Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 29. A celebration will also be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Woodmen Valley Chapel Worship Center, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, Colo. Interment will be at the Air Force Academy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the following memorials: Anthony and Nicole Riggan Memorial Mission Scholarship, c/o BSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1832, Monument, CO 80132; Nicole Riggan Memorial Theatre Scholarship, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Monument, CO 80132.
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
An Ellsworth airman and his wife died Wednesday when the plane they were traveling in crashed near a runway at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado.
The plane, a single-engine Mooney M-20 was flown by 1st Lt. Martin Anthony Riggan, who was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Will Richardson, a friend who was with Riggan's family in Little Rock, Ark., confirmed the airman and his wife, Nicole, died in the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration records show Riggan was the owner of the 1964 aircraft that missed the runway and burst into flames.
The couple took off from Rapid City Regional Airport at about 9:18 a.m. Wednesday and crashed around noon in Colorado. The flight was scheduled to last about 2 hours and 33 minutes and fly around 12,000 feet, according to a plan posted with FlightAware, an online flight tracking service.
FAA officials lost contact with the plane at 12:01 p.m. Just minutes later, witnesses near the airport reported an accident.
At the time of the crash visibility was limited at the airport by freezing fog. The plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
The couple moved to Rapid City from Colorado in April. Nicole Riggan, who has a degree in acting and secondary education theater from the University of Northern Colorado, joined the Black Hills Community Theater this fall.
After directing "Little Red and the Riding Hoods" this fall, she acted in "A Christmas Carol." She was preparing just this week for a production of "Almost Maine," which is scheduled to open in February. The theater moved its rehearsal schedule around so Nicole Riggan could make the trip Wednesday with her husband.
"She was laughing and joking with us right here at the theater on Tuesday night," said Dennis Gleason, managing artistic director at the theater. "She was a funny, tender person."
"She was bubbly, looking forward to Christmas," said Gleason. "She trusted people and it usually paid off in the end."
Gleason said he hosted the couple at his home a few weeks ago where Anthony Riggan expressed his excitement about flying the small plane. WestJet Air Center in Rapid City confirmed Wednesday that Anthony Riggan keeps his plane in a hangar there.
When traveling, the couple often chose to fly in "his little Moody," said Anthony Riggan's great aunt, Pat Riggan.
Gleason said the couple was returning to Colorado to visit family for the holidays. They flew the small plane back to Arkansas on Thanksgiving to visit his family.
"He was everybody's darling," Pat Riggan said. "You just have to believe that God has a better plan, and we're not aware of it yet."
Officials at Ellsworth Wednesday would not release the name of the airman, but said they lost a member of their team to a small civilian plane crash in Colorado Springs. More information about the airman will be released 24 hours after the family was notified, base officials said.
Officials at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs said Anthony Riggan graduated in 2007.
Low visibility caused by thick fog led the airport in Colorado to cancel and delay several flights. The fiery crash along with the weather shut down the airport for almost two hours. Stranded passengers were shuttled to Denver to make connections, according to John McGinley, assistant director of operations and maintenance at the airport.
National Transportation Safety Board officials were still on the scene Wednesday night and are still investigating the cause of the crash.
"We don't have a lot of information yet," said Allen Kenitzer, spokesman for the FAA's regional office in Renton, Wash. "The airplane apparently crashed under unknown circumstances after missing an approach into Colorado Springs."
Kenitzer said the plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
At the time of the crash, visibility at the airport was limited by freezing fog. McGinley would not say if pilots were advised of the poor visibility before the crash.
The Colorado Springs Gazette contributed to this report.
Contact Nick Penzenstadler at 394-8415 or [email protected]
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect a correction. The plane involved was a Mooney M-20)
The joy she brought to her family and to all those she touched cannot be measured and is now reflected in all who knew her.
Nicole was born July 7, 1983, to John and Suzanne Paterson at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. Born into an Air Force family, Nicole lived in many locations around the United States and in England, finally settling down at Monument, Colo.
She attended Lewis-Palmer High School and graduated valedictorian in 2002. It was during her high school years she developed a love for theatre. Nicole excelled in all areas of theatre including playwriting, directing and acting. She was also Drama Club President at Lewis-Palmer and enjoyed singing in the school choir. Nicole's love for serving others was shown through her participation in Serteen, a volunteering program for teens, and on mission trips to Peru and Guatemala.
Nicole went on to study theater education and acting at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, graduating magna cum laude. She acted in The Thorn at New Life Church and in A Christmas Carol at Woodmen Valley Chapel along with acting in several murder mysteries.
After graduation, Nicole met M. Anthony Riggan while attending Baptist Student Union Bible study at the Air Force Academy. Nicole and Anthony became engaged while he attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss.
They married on March 28, 2009, and started their Air Force life at Dyess AFB, where her husband trained to be a B-1 bomber pilot. They were currently assigned to Ellsworth AFB.
After moving to Rapid City, Nicole immediately became involved in the local community theater directing the play Little Red and the Riding Hoods.
She recently acted in A Christmas Carol for the second time and was rehearsing for the spring play. Nicole also loved to host game nights and events in which she would cook for their family and friends while her contagious laugher filled their home.
Nicole shared Anthony's passion for the outdoors and together, with their puppy, Sophie, they enjoyed camping and hunting. Anthony considered her to be his favorite co-pilot when they went flying together. In turn, Anthony supported Nicole's love for theater and learned to dance, one of Nicole's favorite activities.
Nicole had many creative talents that showed through every project or activity, such as scrap booking, photography, arranging social activities or planning dates with Anthony.
Nicole was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, as was her husband Anthony. Not ones to let opportunities pass them by, Nicole and Anthony quickly got involved at church when they moved to a new area, joining Bible studies and helping with youth groups.
Nicole's devotionals, sent to hundreds of friends and family members around the world, have been a source of inspiration and guidance. During their short marriage, Nicole and Anthony have touched the lives of all those who have known them, and they will be greatly missed!
Nicole said her wedding day was the greatest day of her life, but we know she would now say, the greatest day was Dec. 22, 2010, when she entered Heaven with Anthony, the love of her life.
Nicole is survived by her parents, John and Suzanne Paterson; her sister, Danielle; and her brother, Gabriel. She is also survived by her extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of Nicole and Anthony's lives was held in Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 29. A celebration will also be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Woodmen Valley Chapel Worship Center, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, Colo. Interment will be at the Air Force Academy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the following memorials: Anthony and Nicole Riggan Memorial Mission Scholarship, c/o BSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1832, Monument, CO 80132; Nicole Riggan Memorial Theatre Scholarship, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Monument, CO 80132.
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
Published in Rapid City Journal on December 30, 2010
An Ellsworth airman and his wife died Wednesday when the plane they were traveling in crashed near a runway at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado.
The plane, a single-engine Mooney M-20 was flown by 1st Lt. Martin Anthony Riggan, who was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Will Richardson, a friend who was with Riggan's family in Little Rock, Ark., confirmed the airman and his wife, Nicole, died in the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration records show Riggan was the owner of the 1964 aircraft that missed the runway and burst into flames.
The couple took off from Rapid City Regional Airport at about 9:18 a.m. Wednesday and crashed around noon in Colorado. The flight was scheduled to last about 2 hours and 33 minutes and fly around 12,000 feet, according to a plan posted with FlightAware, an online flight tracking service.
FAA officials lost contact with the plane at 12:01 p.m. Just minutes later, witnesses near the airport reported an accident.
At the time of the crash visibility was limited at the airport by freezing fog. The plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
The couple moved to Rapid City from Colorado in April. Nicole Riggan, who has a degree in acting and secondary education theater from the University of Northern Colorado, joined the Black Hills Community Theater this fall.
After directing "Little Red and the Riding Hoods" this fall, she acted in "A Christmas Carol." She was preparing just this week for a production of "Almost Maine," which is scheduled to open in February. The theater moved its rehearsal schedule around so Nicole Riggan could make the trip Wednesday with her husband.
"She was laughing and joking with us right here at the theater on Tuesday night," said Dennis Gleason, managing artistic director at the theater. "She was a funny, tender person."
"She was bubbly, looking forward to Christmas," said Gleason. "She trusted people and it usually paid off in the end."
Gleason said he hosted the couple at his home a few weeks ago where Anthony Riggan expressed his excitement about flying the small plane. WestJet Air Center in Rapid City confirmed Wednesday that Anthony Riggan keeps his plane in a hangar there.
When traveling, the couple often chose to fly in "his little Moody," said Anthony Riggan's great aunt, Pat Riggan.
Gleason said the couple was returning to Colorado to visit family for the holidays. They flew the small plane back to Arkansas on Thanksgiving to visit his family.
"He was everybody's darling," Pat Riggan said. "You just have to believe that God has a better plan, and we're not aware of it yet."
Officials at Ellsworth Wednesday would not release the name of the airman, but said they lost a member of their team to a small civilian plane crash in Colorado Springs. More information about the airman will be released 24 hours after the family was notified, base officials said.
Officials at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs said Anthony Riggan graduated in 2007.
Low visibility caused by thick fog led the airport in Colorado to cancel and delay several flights. The fiery crash along with the weather shut down the airport for almost two hours. Stranded passengers were shuttled to Denver to make connections, according to John McGinley, assistant director of operations and maintenance at the airport.
National Transportation Safety Board officials were still on the scene Wednesday night and are still investigating the cause of the crash.
"We don't have a lot of information yet," said Allen Kenitzer, spokesman for the FAA's regional office in Renton, Wash. "The airplane apparently crashed under unknown circumstances after missing an approach into Colorado Springs."
Kenitzer said the plane was on instrument approach when it disappeared from radar.
At the time of the crash, visibility at the airport was limited by freezing fog. McGinley would not say if pilots were advised of the poor visibility before the crash.
The Colorado Springs Gazette contributed to this report.
Contact Nick Penzenstadler at 394-8415 or [email protected]
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect a correction. The plane involved was a Mooney M-20)
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