Aberdeen Mayor's Son, 8, Dies in Powered Parachute Crash

A devastating accident has claimed the life of 8-year-old Emerson Schaunaman in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The young boy died following a powered parachute crash that took place on the evening of Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. Emerson's father, Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman, and Emerson's older sister were also in the parachute and survived the tragic event.

Mayor Schaunaman shared his grief in a Facebook post, remembering his son as a "ray of light" and expressing how his family will always cherish him. The community is preparing to honor Emerson's memory with a memorial service. This service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at New Life Fellowship in Aberdeen. Visitation for family and friends will be held the evening before, on Wednesday, August 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the same location.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory is handling the arrangements and has set up an online guestbook for those wishing to express condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to the funeral home. Services will be recorded and made available on the mortuary's Facebook page after their conclusion.