On April 19, 2025, the Menomonie, Wisconsin, community mourned the tragic death of 48-year-old Michael H. Morrow, a beloved husband, father, and former football player, in a plane crash in Trilla, Illinois.
Alongside him, his wife, Courtney Morrow, and two other Menomonie residents lost their lives in the tragedy.
A Morrow couple married in 2022 died holding hands, which showed their deep love for each other.
Michael Morrow’s death has left a deep sadness in the hearts of their family, friends, and the whole community.
The small Cessna C180G, carrying four passengers, had taken off from a Nashville airport and was en route to Coles County Memorial Airport in Mattoon, Illinois.
Around 10:15 a.m., the plane struck power lines and crashed into a field on County Road 1400 N. in Trilla, Illinois, just southeast of the airport.
According to the Illinois State Police, all four occupants, two men and two women from Menomonie, were found deceased when authorities arrived at the scene.
NTSB investigating the April 19 crash of a Cessna C180G airplane near Trilla, Illinois.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) April 19, 2025
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, which has left the community searching for answers.
The Cessna C180G, a single-engine aircraft designed to seat up to five passengers and one pilot, was a reliable model.
However, the collision with power lines proved catastrophic.
County Road 1400 N. was closed for an extended period as emergency responders and investigators worked there.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting the NTSB in determining the factors that led to this heartbreaking incident.
Mike Morrow’s Life Was Dedicated To Love And Service, And He Was A Devoted Family Man
Born on July 27, 1976, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to parents Betty McKahan and Tom Morrow, Mike grew up in Menomonie alongside his brother, Chad Morrow.
From a young age, Mike was a spirited and determined individual.
At Menomonie High School, where he graduated in 1995, he excelled as a football player, wearing a #20 Jersey.
Additionally, he was on the 1995 UW-Stout football roster as a freshman.
His talent on the field caught the attention of several Big Ten schools, but Mike had his heart set on becoming a Nebraska Cornhusker.
He pursued his dream at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he forged lifelong memories and friendships.
After his time in Nebraska, Mike returned to Menomonie, where he dedicated 28 years to serving the city he loved.
His work with the City of Menomonie was marked by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to improving the lives of those around him.
Mike’s warm smile and generous spirit made him a friend to many, and his impact on the community was profound.
Mike’s greatest joy was his family. On August 12, 2022, he married Courtney Fregine, his partner of eight years.
Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their three children: Cayden, Caeleigh, and three-year-old McKinley.
Courtney, who worked at Wheaton Grain Inc. and studied at Chippewa Valley Technical College, brought two children, Cayden and Caeleigh, from her previous marriage to Dustin Tiffany.
Mike embraced his role as a stepfather, becoming a second dad to Cayden and Caeleigh while cherishing his biological daughter, McKinley.
The Morrow household was filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Mike was known for sharing his passions, whether fishing, hunting, or simply spending time together with his children.
His stepson, Cayden, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing,
“Dear Mike I hope you know you were a second dad to me and were loved by many people. Thank you for showing me to all your friends. We do many things together like fish and you helped me drag many deer out of the woods which was never a dull moment. Love you Mike I know your having fun up in heaven.”
Via Facebook
Courtney Morrow was a pillar of strength and kindness, dedicated to her children and her career at Wheaton Grain Inc.
She created a nurturing home for Cayden, Caeleigh, and McKinley, and her love for Mike was evident in their shared moments, providing comfort even in their final time together.
The loss of both Mike and Courtney has left their children facing an uncertain future. McKinley, now just three years old, will grow up without the love and guidance of her parents.
Cayden and Caeleigh, who also lost their mother, are guiding the pain of this double tragedy.
The Menomonie Community Is Supporting The Morrow Children After Their Heartbreaking Loss
Mike’s brother, Chad Morrow, launched a GoFundMe campaign to secure a stable future for McKinley.
The fundraiser aims to cover her immediate needs, education, counseling, and long-term care.
Chad’s emotional post on social media reflected the depth of his grief:
“Sadly this is becoming more and more real to me, which I’m having a hard time accepting. Today Mike and Courtney’s Obituaries were posted. I love and miss you guys so much.”
Via Facebook
Similarly, Courtney’s ex-husband, Dustin Tiffany, and his wife, Natalie, established a GoFundMe to support all three children—Cayden, Caeleigh, and McKinley.
The funds will address their immediate and long-term needs, ensuring they have the resources to heal and thrive despite their unimaginable loss.
Many donations and messages of support show the love and respect the Morrow family has earned in their community.
Friends, colleagues, and neighbors have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of Mike and Courtney.
City of Menomonie wrote:
“Mike dedicated 28 years of service to the City of Menomonie, beginning as a seasonal employee in the Parks Department in 1996 before joining full-time in 2000. In 2024, he was promoted to Public Works Foreman in the Community Services Department. Mike wasn’t just an employee — he was a valued friend, mentor, and a fixture of our community whose impact will be deeply missed.”
Via Facebook
Their love for their family, dedication to their community, and zest for life touched countless lives.
The loss of the other two Menomonie residents in the crash has further deepened the community’s sorrow, though their identities have not been publicly released.
As the NTSB continues its investigation, it focuses on honoring the lives lost and supporting those left behind.
The Menomonie community is coming together on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM to celebrate Mike and Courtney’s legacy and ensure their children are surrounded by love and care.
Mike Morrow’s life was defined by his passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
From his days as a high school football star to his years of service with the City of Menomonie, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Courtney’s warmth and dedication as a mother and professional complemented Mike’s spirit, creating a partnership that inspired those around them.
As Menomonie mourns, the Morrow children will carry their parents’ legacy, supported by the generosity and compassion of those who knew and loved Mike and Courtney.
In their memory, the community will continue to unite, ensuring that Cayden, Caeleigh, and McKinley are never alone.
