Amanda Younkin Franklin ... A Memorial

Preface: Please also see the following video after viewing this one:

   • Kyle & Amanda Franklin Fund  

On March 12, 2011, wing-walker Amanda Franklin and her husband, Kyle, crashed after their aircraft suffered an engine failure. Both were badly burned, especially Amanda, who has been battling for her life ever since.

But last night, the press reported:

On May 27th, Kyle posted the following update to the team's fans,

'It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my beautiful girl Amanda passed away at 10:10 central time this evening. Beside her was her adoring husband Kyle, her mother Jeanie, her brother Matt, her sister-in-law Michelle and her devoted mother-in-law Audean.'

Amanda's bio follows:

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Amanda Franklin, was the daughter of legendary air show pilot Bobby Younkin. She was Kyle Franklin's wife, Matt Younkin's sister, and most importantly was the "Brains" behind the "Sons of Legends." Serving as Business Manager for both Franklin's Flying Circus and Younkin Airshows, Inc., she was responsible for all air show booking and sponsorship activity.

Amanda grew up around airplanes and air shows. As a small girl, she was always with her father Bobby as he was signing autographs and interacting with the crowd. Amanda worked for Bobby from age 14 through her senior year in high school, processing airshow paperwork and learning all manner of air show related ins and outs.

Amanda learned to fly and soloed an airplane at age 16. She was an accomplished tail wheel and multi-engine pilot having flown 12 different types of aircraft befpre her untimely death. She resided with her husband Kyle, and two spoiled dogs in Neosho, Missouri. When not flying herself, Amanda spent most of her time keeping Matt and Kyle out of trouble!

Amanda had been Matt Younkin's full time Beech 18 announcer since 2007. And in 2009, she also became Kyle's full time "Pirated Skies" wing walker. Whether holding a telephone, microphone, or wing strut, it is undeniable that Amanda was the glue that keeps the "Sons of Legends" team together, performing at air shows all across the country.

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Regarding this tribute: I only learned of Amanda's death five hours ago and -- like so many others who've been following her story and were frantically hoping for Amanda's survival - I was devastated by the news.

As a former air show pilot myself, I felt a desperate need to do SOMETHING ... so I put together this tribute in Amanda's memory.

Please note that none of the content is owned by me. The majority of images came from the "Franklin's Flying Circus" page on Facebook. Other pictures came from the internet and their copyright holders are acknowledged wherever possible.

The song, "Learning to Fly" was written by Kal Mollison and performed by his band, "Sandcastle Theory."

Should anyone object to the use of their content, just let me know and I'll remove it ... though I sincerely hope you don't as it's my hope this video may move some viewers to make donations towards the horrific medical bills now faced by Amanda's survivors.

I am told that donations can be made through the following url:

http://www.moonlightfund.org/index.ph...

It seems legit, but please feel free to double-check that information for yourselves.

(More info, and a second donation site, here: http://www.franklinairshow.com/Home%2... )

To Kyle: There really are no words that can overcome the extraordinary grief you must be suffering ... but may you find some solace in a truth that has amazed me throughout my 62 years. "LOVE NEVER DIES." The love you shared with Amanda will never fade, never diminish, for as long as you live. It will always be there, just as strong as it is today ... just as if she were waiting for you in the next room. Count On It.

And to Amanda: Sleep well, brave & courageous woman...

"We'll listen for you in the wind."

Addendum: Please also view another touching, personal Memorial to Amanda at:    • Amanda Younkin Franklin