A cloud of grief hangs over the city of Melrose and the broader aviation community following the tragic death of 30-year-old Geoffrey Andrews, a passionate pilot and aspiring astronaut, who was killed in a plane crash near Beverly Regional Airport on Thursday morning, June 19, 2025.
Andrews, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, was piloting a single-engine Mooney M20F aircraft when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Beverly, bound for Ticonderoga Municipal Airport in New York. The plane was airborne for only about a minute before Geoffrey radioed the tower, reporting engine trouble and attempting to return. Moments later, the aircraft made a slow, descending left turn before crashing along Sam Fonzo Drive, a roadway in an industrial park. Witnesses described seeing dark smoke near the aircraft’s engine or landing gear just before the fatal descent.
The crash claimed Geoffrey’s life on impact. A second passenger, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Beverly Hospital. Debris from the aircraft scattered across the road and nearby trees. The NTSB, FAA, and Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit are jointly investigating the cause of the crash, and a preliminary report is expected within two weeks.
A Life of Dreams, Devotion, and Discovery
Geoffrey Andrews wasn’t just a pilot—he was a man with sky-high dreams and a heart rooted in love. A certified commercial pilot since 2019, Geoffrey had flown ferry flights, aerobatics, volunteered as a glider pilot, and was on track to earn his certified flight instructor credentials. His ultimate dream was to become an astronaut, a goal he pursued with tireless dedication and unwavering ambition.
But to those closest to him, Geoffrey was so much more than his profession. He was a charismatic, kind-hearted soul with a passion for life. He loved cooking, baking, scuba diving, photography, and music. He played the piano, sang in choirs, and shared his musical gifts with his beloved wife, Gentry, with whom he often performed.
Now, Gentry—six months pregnant with their first child, due in October—is left navigating a loss so immense it feels almost impossible to bear. The tragedy is deepened by the recent passing of her mother, adding another layer of sorrow to an already grief-stricken household.
A Community Rallies in Love and Support
In the wake of the tragedy, family and friends have come together to support Gentry through a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $47,000 of its $60,000 goal as of Sunday. The funds will help her cover immediate expenses and provide stability as she prepares to welcome their child into the world without the man she called her best friend and partner in every sense.
“We are devastated,” the family shared in a public statement. “Geoffrey was a brilliant light—charismatic, talented, and endlessly compassionate. We trust the investigation to uncover what happened, and we continue to pray for the recovery of the injured passenger.”
Honoring a Legacy That Soared
Geoffrey’s story is one of hope, ambition, and heart—a reminder of how one life can shine so brightly, even in too short a time. His loss is not only a personal heartbreak for his family and friends but also a deep wound felt across the aviation and local communities. He inspired many with his fearless pursuit of his dreams and the gentle, joyful way he lived.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Geoffrey are left holding on to memories of his laughter, his music, his kindness—and the limitless sky he loved so dearly.
