Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman publicly mourned his 8-year-old son Saturday, describing him as a bright, adventurous boy whose death has left his family facing “the worst pain we’ve ever experienced.”
Schaunaman shared the tribute to Emerson Joseph Schaunaman on social media, marking his first public comments since the Wednesday aviation crash that killed his son and injured Schaunaman and his 10-year-old daughter.
“Emerson was the smartest, funniest and most good natured boy you could meet,” Schaunaman wrote. “He could talk to anyone and made new friends easier than anyone.”
Emerson was killed at the scene of the crash, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. His sister suffered minor injuries, while Schaunaman sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash happened Wednesday afternoon northeast of Aberdeen, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. The National Transportation Safety Board said the crash occurred in Westport.
Schaunaman was piloting a Para-Ski powered parachute, an aircraft propelled by a fan and equipped with an undercarriage for a pilot and passenger, according to the NTSB.
In his tribute, Schaunaman recalled his son’s personality and the time they spent together.
“He was a ray of light — and the thought of his face makes me smile even in my worst moments,” Schaunaman wrote. “He insisted I put him to bed every night and then wanted me to snuggle with him.”
Schaunaman said Emerson loved games, was adventurous but cautious and was able to navigate complex rules with ease.
“He was taken too soon and the world is a dimmer place,” Schaunaman wrote. “But he made me a better person for the rest of my days.”
Schaunaman also wrote about his son’s Christian faith and said he believed Emerson went from spending time with his father and sister to being with Jesus “in a moment without pain.”
“You mom, your sisters and I love you Emer — this is the worst pain we’ve ever experienced,” Schaunaman wrote. “I will see you again when my name gets called.”
