At just 30 years old, Devyn Collie Reiley had already left an extraordinary mark on the world. When she passed suddenly, her family, friends, and the communities she touched were forever changed.
A native of Wimberley, Devyn was the oldest of 13 children, an emergency medical technician, author, stage actress, and avid pilot. She inherited her love of flying from her father, Bruce Collie, a commercially rated pilot and two-time Super Bowl champion who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Her life was tragically cut short on July 29, 2023, at the Oshkosh Air Show in Wisconsin, doing what she loved: flying a historic North American T-6 Texan, a warbird primarily used during World War II and the 1950s.
One of Devyn’s closest friends, her younger sister, Calyn, spoke with us to honor Devyn’s life and her example of bold femininity, as well as to provide practical insight on how you can best support those walking through unimaginable loss.
DEVYN’S STORY: A LIFE OF IMPACT
“Devyn was a friend to everyone who met her,” Calyn shares. “She was a peacemaker, intentional, and held her friends and family to the greatness she saw within you.”
As her dad took her flying, Devyn quickly became enthralled with aviation. When she passed, she was two weeks away from getting her commercial pilot license, formation- and tailwheel-certified, and accumulating her pilot ratings.
That morning, before her final flight, she spoke at a Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) event—an organization honoring the women who flew in World War II. Devyn deeply admired those trailblazing women and worked to inspire the next generation of female pilots.
She put in the effort and knowledge to share her passion: “Devyn wanted to inspire kids and young women to pursue aviation as much as she loved it,” Calyn says. “She included everyone and brought anyone into the aviation community, making them feel like family.”
Devyn’s impact reached far beyond the cockpit. Her faith fueled her passion for using aviation as a ministry. “She embodied the quote, ‘Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.’ She lived her faith by just being there for people,” Calyn shares.
Devyn met her husband, Hunter Reiley, at the Oshkosh Air Show. Married for three years, they returned to the event each summer to celebrate their anniversary.
With 13 children, the Collie family is tight-knit and their bond unshakeable. Bruce ministered in prisons, and Devyn and her siblings grew up singing, reciting, and sharing their testimony at ministry banquets as they traveled together in a bus. Her absence is felt deeply. “God has a plan for everyone, every breath planned out, and He accomplished a lot through Devyn in her time here on earth.” Laughing, Calyn adds, “Typical Devyn—an overachiever.”
Over 1,000 people attended Devyn’s funeral, fittingly held in an aircraft hangar. Her family stood together, singing “It Is Well” in tearful harmony—a powerful testament to their faith, unity, and love.
One word to describe Devyn? “Giving. She gave so much in her 30 years.”
HOW TO SUPPORT THOSE GRIEVING LOSS
When someone you love encounters loss, it’s hard to know how to show up and support them. Calyn encourages you to do just that: Show up. She explains how many people stay paralyzed, not knowing what to do or say.
Showing up can look like bringing a meal or sitting with your grieving friend or family member, simply offering your presence. “My best friend didn’t leave my side. We just drove in the car without saying anything. Her presence spoke louder than words,” Calyn says. “When you don’t know what to do or say, just be there. It means the world.”
Calyn leaves us with this encouragement, inspired by her sister’s fearless life: “Live your dream, find the niche God has given you, and pursue that to the fullest extent and the best of your ability. Don’t just enjoy it, but live and use it as a part of your testimony.”
“Live like Devyn.”
In her memory, the Devyn Collie Reiley Memorial Scholarship Fund supports young leaders who share Devyn’s love of life, flying, and liberty. To learn more or contribute, visit PatriotAcademy.com/DevynReiley.