The pilot involved in a hot air balloon crash that may have killed up to 16 people had deep ties to St. Louis.
According to FAA records , the man believed to be the pilot is Alfred Nichols of Chesterfield.
Friends say he goes by the name Skip.
NewsChannel 5 has also confirmed Nichols attended Lindbergh High School and had participated in the Great Forest Park balloon race in the past.
Neighbor and longtime high school friend Sue Drury tells NewsChannel 5 Nichols visited St.Louis often, and was very safety conscious when flying.
"I think something malfunctioned on his hot air balloon...he has never had any problems with his hot air balloons. he's never had any accidents. My heart just broke. Just shock. I'm still in shock. We lost a very good person," said Drury.
