Chase Riley Day

We are heart-broken to announce the tragic passing of our beloved son Chase Riley Day. He was killed in an airplane crash on August 7, 2026 while pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. We wish to thank the first responders who helped recover his body. We also offer sincere love and prayers to his instructor who sustained serious injuries in the accident.

Born April 3, 2001, Chase approached life with determination and passion from the moment he arrived. He is the third son of four brothers, our first brown-haired boy who looked just like his dad. His idyllic childhood was filled with adventure. From building legos, jumping on the trampoline, and playing endless games of dunk ball, he made countless memories with his brothers and friends in a neighborhood that was truly dynamite.

Chase was physically strong from a young age and found great joy in football and basketball. His big brothers pushed him to be stronger and better—and he rose to the challenge. He was fiercely competitive, especially when there was a chance to beat his brothers, never shy about letting everyone know when he won. Chase brought his whole heart to everything he did. His energy and enthusiasm filled a room. He also had a gentler side. He learned to play the guitar and would sit and play beautiful songs. We will miss the sound of his guitar more than words can express.

Chase graduated from Herriman High School and Seminary in 2019. Then he went on to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vancouver, Washington from 2019-2021. He served faithfully under President J. Scott and Lori Featherstone. Chase absolutely treasured his mission. He loved teaching about the Restoration. His testimony of Jesus Christ would remain one of the defining characteristics of his life.

After returning from his mission, Chase explored a career in pharmacy and worked as a certified tech. He then moved on to a career in finance, working for Fidelity from 2022-2026. Meanwhile, he was a part-time student pursuing his finance degree. He gained much wisdom when it came to finance and helped his family and friends learn how to invest, budget, and manage their money.

His independence and determination drove him to achieve great success at a young age. By his 22nd birthday, he had accomplished many of his goals. He had served a mission, purchased his first home, had a great job, and bought his dream car. Yet Chase was constantly driven to dream bigger. He recently felt impressed to change careers and become a commercial pilot. So in January 2026, he took a leap of faith and left his corporate job to begin flight school. He felt he had found the path he was truly meant to follow. He poured himself into his training and embraced each challenging step with intense optimism. He was looking forward to the future with a sense of purpose and duty, excited for the lifestyle that would bless his future family.

More than anything, Chase looked forward to marrying the girl of his dreams and starting a family of his own. Though that dream was not fulfilled during his mortal life, we know that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Chase will have the opportunity to receive all the blessings he longed for.

Chase had unshakable faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In January 2025, he was called to serve as a counselor in the bishopric of his YSA ward with bishop Dave Morgan. Despite his intense work and school schedule he made it a priority to serve diligently in that busy calling. He treasured the relationships he built in his ward. Chase had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and welcome.

Chase especially loved spending time with his family and friends, those relationships meant the world to him. Conversations with him were enlightening and engaging because he always had an opinion. Those who knew him best frequently received advice on finances, electronics, goals, aviation, and the second coming. He was the best uncle and especially loved holding newborn babies.

Although his 25 years with us went way too fast, he lived life to the fullest. He brought vibrant energy and focus to everything he pursued. Never complacent, never satisfied. Directly after completing a difficult goal his focus always shifted to the next challenge. His generosity was one of his greatest qualities. He felt that his temporal success was primarily meant to be given and shared with others.

Above all, Chase loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. His testimony of the Savior, the scriptures, and the Restoration were central to who he was. Jesus Christ influenced his thoughts and behaviors, molding him into a man of many great qualities. Chase sought to serve the Lord and to live his life with purpose.

Chase is survived by his parents, Mike and Sonia; his 3 brothers, Braden (Jade), Parker (Mae), and Max; his beloved nephews and nieces, Lorenzo, Jodie, Locke, Louis, and soon to be born niece; his grandparents, Diane and Lynn Bunker, Larry Day, and Paul Harrison; and his great-grandmother Maxine Harrison. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who love him deeply. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Pat Harrison.

Chase will be profoundly missed. The hole left by his absence is enormous, but so is the gratitude we feel for the short time we were blessed to have him with us. Words cannot express the gaping hole we all feel after his tragic and sudden death.

Chase, we love you. We are grateful for every moment we had with you, and we look forward with faith and hope to the day we see you again. And we will see you again on the morning of the First Resurrection. Praying that comes very soon.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Juniper Crest Stake Center, 14550 Juniper Crest Road, Herriman, UT, 84096. A viewing prior to the service will be from 10 am - 11:45 am. Interment will be at Herriman City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we would most appreciate shared memories here in the guestbook.