Ray Cottingham Fatally Injured in Ag Accident in Indiana

NAAA wishes to extend condolences to the family and friends of Robert Ray Cottingham who lost his life in an ag aviation accident on July 22, 2024. Ray, as he preferred to be called, was born on October 29, 1988, and was 35 years old at the time of his passing.

Ray’s calling in life had been agricultural since the age of eight. An interest in farming grew to include an interest in aviation after attending AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin with his father. Ray received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management from Purdue University where he also began flying. He then moved into ag aviation, which perfectly matched his two interests, first in piston aircraft and later transitioning into turbine powered airplanes.

Ray’s visitation was held on July 26 in Williamsport Indiana; his funeral was held the following day. Ray leaves behind a wife and her two children, his parents, sister, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Donations in Ray’s memory to support his wife’s children’s education can be made out to the Shirley Education Fund and sent to 5190 E 550 N, Attica, IN 47918. To read Ray’s full obituary, click here.