In Loving Memory of Richard McClung

In Loving Memory of Richard McClung

The community of Boone County is reflecting on the life and sudden passing of 83-year-old Richard McClung of Rockford, who died Saturday afternoon following a small plane crash in Poplar Grove. The accident brought a tragic end to a life that spanned more than eight decades — a life marked by personal history, community ties, aviation passion, and complex chapters that shaped how he was known and remembered.

According to the Boone County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy conducted on February 17 confirmed that McClung died from injuries sustained in the crash. The aircraft involved was identified as a Wittman W-8, registered to him in Federal Aviation Administration records. Authorities, including the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the National Transportation Safety Board, continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Officials have stated there is no known connection between McClung and the residence his plane struck.

A Life Rooted in Community

Richard McClung spent much of his life in the Rockford area. Over the decades, he built relationships, participated in community life, and pursued personal interests — including aviation, which ultimately remained a defining part of his later years. For many who knew him, flying represented independence, focus, and a long-held fascination with the skies.

At 83, McClung had lived through generational change, personal milestones, and the evolving landscape of his hometown. His life story was not a simple one; it carried layers of experience, choices, and consequences that formed the narrative of who he was.

Complex Chapters

McClung’s history also included serious legal matters that became part of the public record. He appeared on the Illinois State Police Offender Registry as a lifetime registrant following a 2007 charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a minor. Additionally, a civil lawsuit filed in January 2025 alleged abuse connected to his previous role within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had served as a second counselor to a bishop. In June 2025, McClung responded to the lawsuit, disputing the allegations.

These matters formed a significant and controversial part of his later years and influenced how many viewed his legacy. While the crash marked the end of his life, the broader context of his history remains part of the community’s understanding of who he was.

The Tragedy in Poplar Grove

Saturday’s crash in Poplar Grove shocked residents and first responders alike. Investigators are working to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, weather conditions, or another factor contributed to the accident. For neighbors in the quiet community, the sudden sight and sound of a small aircraft going down was jarring and deeply unsettling.

As officials continue their work, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensuring that all questions are thoroughly examined.

Reflection and Remembrance

Every life leaves an imprint — sometimes marked by admiration, sometimes by controversy, often by a mixture of both. Richard McClung’s life spanned 83 years filled with experiences that shaped both himself and those around him. His passing closes a chapter in Boone County’s story, leaving behind discussions about aviation safety, accountability, and the complexities of legacy.

As the investigation proceeds, the community reflects not only on the tragedy of the crash but also on the broader story of a man whose life carried both long-standing ties to Rockford and deeply challenging chapters.

May those affected by the crash find clarity as investigations continue.

May the community find steadiness in the face of sudden tragedy.

And may reflection guide understanding as Boone County processes the loss of one of its longtime residents.