Dawn Stone, 53, is being remembered following her death in a small-plane crash in Hillsborough County, Florida, on September 3, 2026. Stone was the passenger aboard the aircraft and was one of two people killed in the crash.
Her death has brought grief to family, friends, colleagues and members of the healthcare community who knew her through her professional work and personal relationships.
Stone worked as a nurse practitioner with AdventHealth, where colleagues described her as a valued member of the organization. Her death has therefore been felt not only by those closest to her but also by people who worked alongside her in healthcare.
Dawn Stone Dies in Hillsborough County Plane Crash
The fatal crash occurred Thursday morning in a wooded area off U.S. Highway 301 near Maislin Drive in Hillsborough County.
The aircraft had taken off from Tampa Executive Airport shortly before the crash. Emergency dispatchers received reports of the downed aircraft at approximately 8:17 a.m., and deputies who arrived at the scene found the plane engulfed in flames.
Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire, but neither person aboard the aircraft survived.
The victims were identified as pilot Dr. David Siambanes, 59, and passenger Dawn Stone, 53. Their families were notified following the crash.
Dawn Stone Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dawn Stone |
| Age | 53 |
| Profession | Nurse practitioner / advanced practice registered nurse |
| Employer | AdventHealth |
| Date of death | September 3, 2026 |
| Location | Hillsborough County, Florida |
| Cause of death | Fatal injuries sustained in plane crash |
| Aircraft | Lancair Evolution |
| Flight origin | Tampa Executive Airport |
| Funeral arrangements | Not publicly available |
Remembered Through Her Healthcare Career
Dawn’s professional life was centered on healthcare and caring for others.
AdventHealth expressed grief over her death, describing her as a valued member of its organization and noting the impact of her loss on colleagues and care teams.
Her work placed her in a profession where compassion, patience and commitment are important parts of caring for patients and supporting families.
For the people who worked with her, Dawn’s absence now represents the loss of a colleague who was part of their daily professional lives.
BayCare also remembered both Stone and Siambanes as healthcare professionals who dedicated their careers to caring for and improving the lives of patients and families across West Central Florida.
A Sudden Loss for Family and Friends
For Dawn Stone’s family and friends, the circumstances of the crash cannot overshadow the personal loss caused by her death.
A sudden death can leave loved ones facing grief without the opportunity to prepare for the loss. Memories of conversations, shared experiences and ordinary moments can become particularly meaningful during that period.
Those closest to Dawn will have their own memories of her life beyond her professional career.
While public reporting has focused largely on the plane crash and her work in healthcare, the people who knew her personally will remember the individual behind the professional role.
What Happened to Dawn Stone?
The aircraft carrying Dawn Stone crashed shortly after departing Tampa Executive Airport.
Authorities reported that the plane went down in a wooded area near U.S. 301 and Maislin Drive. First responders found the aircraft on fire when they arrived.
The aircraft was identified as a Lancair Evolution, a four-seat turboprop aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Plane Crash Investigation Continues
The exact cause of the crash has not been established in the available reporting.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight information and other evidence as they work to reconstruct what happened shortly after takeoff.
A preliminary report is expected as the federal investigation progresses, while a complete determination of the circumstances can take substantially longer.
Until investigators release additional findings, no particular mechanical, weather-related or human factor should be identified as the cause of the crash.
Dawn Stone’s Legacy in Healthcare
Dawn’s work as a nurse practitioner forms an important part of the legacy being remembered following her death.
Healthcare professionals often build lasting relationships with patients and coworkers through years of service. Their impact can extend beyond individual appointments or shifts through the people they care for and the colleagues they work alongside.
AdventHealth’s statement following Dawn’s death reflected the loss felt within that professional community.
For her colleagues, the memories of working alongside Dawn will remain part of how she is remembered.
Funeral and Memorial Information
No confirmed funeral, visitation or memorial arrangements for Dawn Stone were included in the latest information available.
Additional details may be announced by her family or an authorized representative.
Until then, information about services should not be assumed or attributed to the family without confirmation.
Remembering Dawn Stone at 53
Dawn Stone’s death at 53 has left a significant void among the people who knew her.
Her life included a career dedicated to healthcare and relationships with family, friends and colleagues who will now remember the experiences they shared with her.
For the AdventHealth community, she will be remembered as a healthcare professional whose work involved caring for others.
For her family and friends, her memory will extend far beyond her occupation and the circumstances of her death.
Dawn Stone’s legacy will ultimately be carried by the people whose lives she touched during her lifetime.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on confirmed reporting concerning the death of Dawn Stone, 53, in a September 3, 2026 plane crash in Hillsborough County, Florida. She was identified as the passenger aboard the aircraft and worked as a nurse practitioner with AdventHealth. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash, and the final cause has not yet been established. Funeral and memorial arrangements were not available in the information reviewed and should be confirmed through the family or an authorized source.