Crime & Safety

Friends of Trenton Pilot Killed in Afghanistan Plane Crash Will Miss Their 'Skipper'

Brad Hasler, 34, of Trenton, died in a plane crash in Afghanistan on Monday after a cargo jet he was piloting crashed just after take off. Friends have started a memorial fund for his family.

Two weeks ago Justin Lanagan stood next to his friend Brad Hasler as the two celebrated the anticipation of Hasler's wedding.

Today, Lanagan is in a state of “complete shock” after Hasler, a 34-year-old Trenton resident, was killed when a cargo plane he was piloting crashed just after takeoff in Afghanistan on Monday.

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And now, Lanagan and other friends are promoting a memorial fund for Hasler's wife, Robin; 2-year-old daughter, Sloan; and 10-year-old stepdaughter, Olivia.

"The last time I saw him was two weeks ago at his bachelor party," said Lanagan, a 34-year-old Southgate resident.

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Lanagan said Hasler and his wife decided to hold off on a honeymoon because of the work-related trip to Afghanistan. The newlyweds bought their first house together in Trenton just one month ago.

"He spent a couple of days fishing in the Detroit River, and then he left for his job," Lanagan said.

Hasler became interested in aviation about the same time he, Lanagan and childhood friend David Lange graduated from Gabriel Richard High School in Riverview in 1996.

Lange said Hasler was a civilian pilot who was contracted by the military to fly cargo and supplies all around the world.

Hasler was carrying vehicles and general cargo from Afghanistan to Dubai from Bagram Air Base when the plane crashed, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack reached out to Hasler's family Wednesday afternoon.

"Any day we lose one of our residents is a sad day," Stack said. "My sympathies to the family. They can contact me if they need help, and I will do whatever I can to give them the help they need."

Hasler went by the nickname "Skipper" or "Skip" among his closest friends because he was the leader and record keeper for their softball team, Team Wheat.

When asked how losing his friend and "Skipper" has affected him, Lanagan replied, "There are no words; just complete shock."

A private military service will be held for Hasler at a base in Delaware, according to Lange.

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