Naples mourns youth leader killed in Everglades plane crash

NAPLES - A Naples parish is mourning the loss of Ryan Cody after a weekend plane crash.

Saint Finbarr's Catholic Church held a service to honor Cody's life.

Ryan Cody, 42, died Sunday when a small plane he was on with another person crashed in the Everglades. The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane crashed under "unknown circumstances" and was found upside down, partially submerged in water.

Friends, parishioners and neighbors gathered to support Cody, praying, lighting candles and sharing memories. They said Cody was a youth group leader and a friend to all. Many remembered him as always cheerful and lively.

"He was always cheerful always lively. We'll miss him. The Lord gives the Lord takes away. It was short but sweet to have him," said one attendee.

"God was his main main thing in life and he showed and everything he did," said another.

"I'm going to start to cry. So he was just so nice. Nice guy so happy. Great guy just a good kid," said a friend.

The NTSB is investigating the crash.