Roswell man killed in Gwinnett plane crash remembered as a man of faith

The sound of a pilot’s voice crackling over the radio, declaring an emergency due to engine trouble, is a chilling reminder of the fragility of life. That was the last communication from Eric Stephens, 57, a Roswell tech founder and devoted member of Roswell United Methodist Church, before his Velocity 173FG aircraft crashed Tuesday evening near Gwinnett County Airport, claiming his life. While the community mourns his loss, the story also highlights the resilience of the human spirit, as another passenger, Peter Magnuson, survived the harrowing ordeal. This tragedy underscores the importance of faith and community in times of profound grief, and reminds us to cherish every moment we have with those we love.

What Happened

On Tuesday evening, around 5:30 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a plane crash near the intersection of Winder Highway and Backus Drive in Lawrenceville, approximately one mile southeast of Gwinnett County Airport. The aircraft, a Velocity 173 F-G, had departed from Briscoe Field earlier that day and was airborne for roughly 90 minutes before the incident occurred. According to flight records, the pilot declared an emergency and reported experiencing engine trouble, attempting to make an emergency landing before crashing in a wooded area. Gwinnett County Airport serves as a regional hub, and this crash has understandably shaken the local community.

First responders extracted Stephens and Magnuson from the wreckage, rushing Stephens to Gwinnett County Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Magnuson was transported to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently leading an investigation into the cause of the crash, and authorities have yet to determine which individual was piloting the aircraft. Air traffic control audio revealed the pilot’s urgent declaration, “Yes, I’m declaring an emergency,” before the plane went down. The Velocity 173FG is a kit aircraft, meaning it is partially assembled by the owner—a detail that may prove relevant to the NTSB’s investigation. According to Gwinnett County police, the single-engine plane crashed in a wooded area near the 1000 block of Old Athens Highway. The incident is still under investigation.

The incident has prompted a wave of grief and reflection within the Roswell community, particularly at Roswell United Methodist Church, where Stephens was an active and beloved member. “Eric always saw the best in people and was always trying to help people experience their best,” shared Rev. Derek Porter, lead pastor at the church. “He just had a profound love of Christ, a profound love of the church.” The outpouring of support demonstrates the deep impact Stephens had on those around him, and the importance of faith-based communities in providing solace during times of hardship. Roswell United Methodist Church has long been a cornerstone of the community, offering spiritual guidance and support to countless families.

Community Reaction

The news of Stephens’ death has deeply impacted the Roswell community, particularly his church family. Parishioners gathered at Roswell United Methodist Church Wednesday evening to pray and remember Stephens, finding comfort in their shared faith. “We hope people will know that even though we are heartbroken that Eric’s not with us, we know where he is,” Rev. Porter expressed. “We know that he’s with the Lord right now.” This sentiment reflects a deep-seated belief in eternal life and the promise of reunion, offering solace amidst profound loss. The church has also opened its sanctuary and chapel for members to pray, providing a safe space for grieving and reflection. The Roswell United Methodist Church took to social media to offer prayers for Stephens, his wife Cammie, and their two daughters.

Beyond the church, Stephens’ colleagues at zPaper, the technology company he founded, are also mourning his loss. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder, Eric Stephens, Ph.D.,” wrote COO Ken Schumacher in a statement. “Eric built zPaper over 20 years and was a mentor and friend to everyone here.” The company’s commitment to carrying on Stephens' vision—to empower patients through better digital document tools—is a testament to his lasting legacy. zPaper, based in Roswell, is a significant employer in the area, and Stephens’ passing represents a loss for the entire local business community. The company urges that questions about the accident be referred to the investigating authorities.

Stephens' Background

Stephens grew up the son of a pastor and devoted his life to spreading the word of Christ. He served the church as a mentor in the men’s ministry, sang in their choir, and started zPaper. He leaves behind his wife, Cammie, and two daughters. According to authorities, Stephens was in a Velocity 173 F-G aircraft when it crashed.

What's Next

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the specific mechanical failure that led to the engine trouble and subsequent crash. Police have not provided an update on the condition of Peter Magnuson, the surviving passenger. The community is eagerly awaiting answers, hoping to understand the events that led to this tragic loss. While the investigation progresses, the focus remains on supporting Stephens’ family—his wife, Cammie, and their two daughters—during this incredibly difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, Roswell United Methodist Church encourages those wishing to honor Stephens’ memory to donate to the church’s choir. This request underscores the importance of music and worship in the church's life and provides a tangible way for the community to express their condolences and support. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing relationships and pursuing one’s passions with unwavering dedication. The National Transportation Safety Board will likely release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, offering some initial findings, but a full determination of the cause of the crash could take months.

Samantha's Take

The loss of Eric Stephens is a stark reminder that even in our thriving community of Johns Creek and Roswell, life can be unexpectedly fragile. His story resonates deeply—a man of faith, a successful entrepreneur, a devoted husband and father—taken too soon. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, pursuing careers and ambitions, but Stephens’ passing compels us to pause and reflect on what truly matters: our relationships, our faith, and the impact we have on others. The fact that he built a company focused on empowering patients highlights his desire to serve and improve lives, a testament to his character.

What strikes me most is the resilience of the Roswell United Methodist Church community. Their immediate response—offering prayers and support—demonstrates the power of faith in times of crisis. While the NTSB investigation will seek to determine the technical cause of the crash, it’s equally important to examine the broader context: the pressures of modern life, the demands on our time, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. I hope this tragedy inspires families to reconnect, to strengthen their bonds, and to remember that life is a precious gift—one that should be cherished and lived with intention. The loss of a father leaves a void that can only be filled by the love and support of family and community.

Resources

For those seeking to offer support or learn more about the incident:

• Roswell United Methodist Church: Information on memorial services and ways to support the Stephens family.
• zPaper: Learn more about the company and its mission.
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Information on the ongoing investigation.
• Gwinnett County Airport: Information on the airport and its operations.
• Gwinnett County Government: Official information and updates from Gwinnett County.
• Johns Creek: Information about the local community and resources.

The investigation into the crash is expected to take several months, and the findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the factors that contributed to this tragic event. Air traffic control audio shows the pilot declaring, “It looks like we’re going in the trees,” before the crash. In the meantime, the community continues to mourn the loss of a man who embodied faith, family, and dedication to service.

The loss of Eric Stephens serves as a reminder of the importance of strong family values and the impact that committed individuals can have on their communities. His legacy will live on through his family, his colleagues at zPaper, and the countless lives he touched at Roswell United Methodist Church. May his memory be a blessing, and may his family find strength and comfort in the outpouring of love and support from the community.

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner has identified the man who died in the plane crash as Eric Stephens, 57, of Roswell. According to Gwinnett County police, the single-engine plane crashed around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in a wooded area near the 1000 block of Old Athens Highway, about a mile southeast of Gwinnett County Airport.

As we move forward, let us remember Eric Stephens not with sadness, but with gratitude for the time we had with him and a renewed commitment to living lives of purpose, faith, and love. His story is a call to action—a reminder to cherish every moment and to make a difference in the world around us.