The community of Boone County is reflecting on the life and sudden passing of 83-year-old Richard McClung of Rockford, who tragically died Saturday afternoon following a small plane crash in Poplar Grove. The accident brought an abrupt end to a life spanning more than eight decades — a life marked by personal history, community involvement, and a long-standing passion for aviation.
According to the Boone County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy confirmed that McClung died from injuries sustained in the crash. The aircraft, a Wittman W-8 registered to him with the Federal Aviation Administration, was involved in the incident. 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 struck by the plane.
Richard McClung spent most of his life in the Rockford area, building relationships, participating in local life, and pursuing personal interests. Aviation was a defining passion for him in his later years, representing independence and fascination with flight. At 83, he had experienced decades of change, personal milestones, and the evolving fabric of his hometown.
McClung’s later years were marked by controversy. He was listed as a lifetime registrant on the Illinois State Police Offender Registry 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 prior role within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had served as a second counselor to a bishop. McClung disputed these allegations in June 2025. These aspects of his history remain part of the broader discussion around his life and legacy.
Saturday’s crash shocked neighbors and first responders alike. Investigators are examining potential causes, including mechanical failure, pilot error, and weather conditions. The sudden nature of the accident left the quiet community of Poplar Grove reeling.
Every life leaves an imprint — sometimes admiring, sometimes controversial, often complex. Richard McClung’s 83 years carried achievements, personal passions, and challenges that shaped both himself and the community around him. His passing closes a chapter in Boone County’s story, prompting reflection on aviation safety, accountability, and the multifaceted nature of legacy.
As investigations continue, may those affected find clarity, may the community find steadiness, and may reflection guide understanding as Boone County processes the loss of one of its longtime residents.