Perry Feeney, Lee Hill Obituary, Death; Coroner Identifies Two Victims in Fatal Plane Crash Near Centennial Airport.

Perry Feeney, Lee Hill Obituary, Death – The Douglas County Coroner’s Office has officially released the identities of the two people who died in a small plane crash near Centennial Airport earlier this month. According to the coroner’s report, the victims were Perry “Matt” Feeney, 52, of Arvada, and Lee “Rob” Hill, 64, of Greenwood Village. Both men lost their lives in the tragic crash that occurred early on a Friday morning when their aircraft went down under unclear circumstances.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the aircraft involved was a Beech BE35. After going down, the plane burst into flames, causing immediate devastation at the crash site. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash, but they are actively working to gather details.
The crash occurred on the back side of a large warehouse located on South Peoria Street. The impact and subsequent fire created a dangerous situation, as the flames spread close to a large generator and threatened a nearby building. Emergency crews worked quickly to contain the fire and prevent further damage, though the wreckage made it immediately apparent that the accident was fatal.
Desmond Brown, an employee working across the street at the time of the crash, shared his account in an interview with FOX31. He said that as soon as he and others saw the burning wreckage, they realized there was little hope for survival. “We already knew when we saw it burning, there is no way anyone survived that plane crash,” Brown said. He added that while they wanted to help, a locked gate prevented them from reaching the crash site, leaving them feeling helpless.
The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the incident. As part of their work, the agency is asking for help from the public. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has surveillance video capturing the incident is urged to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov. Such evidence could provide critical insight into the moments leading up to the crash and possibly shed light on the cause.
This tragic crash adds to a series of recent small aircraft accidents that have drawn attention to aviation safety in the region. Centennial Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States, regularly sees a high volume of private and business flights, making investigations like this particularly important for ongoing safety improvements.
For the families of Perry “Matt” Feeney and Lee “Rob” Hill, the crash has brought immeasurable grief. Both men were well known in their communities, and their sudden deaths have left friends and loved ones mourning deeply. While the NTSB investigation may eventually provide answers, for now, the focus remains on honoring their lives and supporting those left behind.
The Douglas County Coroner’s Office, along with the NTSB, continues to work closely with local authorities to complete the investigation. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
This devastating event serves as another reminder of the unpredictable dangers of aviation accidents and the importance of thorough safety oversight.