San Diego business owner died in plane crash near Whidbey Island

Joanne Mera, a 60-year-old business owner from San Diego, was in the Seattle area visiting family.

NO CAPTION. Logo to accompany news of Seattle.

By Lauren Rosenblatt / The Seattle Times

SEATTLE — Joanne Mera, a 60-year-old business owner from San Diego, was among the 10 people who died in a plane crash off Whidbey Island Sunday.

Mera was visiting family in the Seattle area at the time of the crash, according to her niece, Sami Sullivan, who sent a statement on behalf of the family.

“Joanne Mera was someone everyone gravitated towards,” Sullivan said. “She was the life of any party and the soul of our family. She was the best mom, wife, sister and friend.

“Our hearts are shattered, not just for our family’s loss, but for the loss we know other families are feeling right now.”

The plane, a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Turbine Otter owned by the charter service Northwest Seaplanes and operated by Friday Harbor Seaplanes, was traveling from Friday Harbor to Renton.

A woman’s body was recovered Sunday shortly after the crash by first responders. Around midday Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended rescue efforts.

Officials on Tuesday morning released the identities of all ten people who were aboard the floatplane.

“The Coast Guard offers its deepest sympathies to those who lost a loved one in this tragedy,” said Cmdr. Xochitl Castaneda, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for this incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the accident.

In San Diego, Mera was CEO of Pacific Event Production, an event production, design and rental company with about 40 employees that works on large scale events for corporate clients, local organizations and nonprofits.

Her favorite thing to do at the events her company produced was to stand at the back of the room and watch the reactions as guests came in, according to the company website.

The company has lost its “matriarch,” co-CEO George Duff wrote in a statement.

“As my business partner, work wife, friend and friend who became family, I have watched firsthand Joanne’s commitment to her family, her friends, her team, our clients and industry partners,” Duff wrote. “Joanne was passionate about people, their stories and their dreams. Her bright colors, her love of being connected and her ability to bring levity to every conversation were hallmarks to PEP.”

At the time of the crash, Mera was headed back to San Diego to celebrate her wedding anniversary with her husband Victor, Duff said.

Mera is survived by her three children, her husband of more than 30 years, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and “a whole lot of people who loved her,” Sullivan wrote.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45

The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15… Continue reading

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations

Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year… Continue reading

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor in an undated photo. He was among the Republicans who walked out of a House Appropriations Committee meeting this week in protest of a bill that would close a facility in Pierce County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)
Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities

Those supporting the closure say that the Rainier School has a troubled record and is far more expensive than other options.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill that would exempt medical debt from credit reports, on Tuesday.
WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law

Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard 
Gov. Bob Ferguson during a media availability on April 1.
Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12B tax plan as ‘too risky’

The governor is still at odds with lawmakers in his party over how much revenue the state should raise to deal with a multibillion dollar shortfall.

Gov. Bob Ferguson in his first bill signing event on Friday, April 4, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state is signed into law

During his inaugural address in January, Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted his support… Continue reading

Ryan Berry / Washington State Standard
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, seen here during a January interview, is sparring with members of Congress over the state’s immigration policy
Washington AG defends state’s ‘sanctuary’ policy amid congressional scrutiny

Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents eastern Washington, is among those pressuring Attorney General Nick Brown on immigration issues.

The Washington state Capitol on March 27. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan

It cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is whether Gov. Bob Ferguson will support the proposals.

A student walks down a hallway at Evergreen Middle School past a sign displaying different values the students should embody while occupying the space on a 2024 school day in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington takes ‘historic’ step toward full funding for special education

The House passed a Senate bill that ditches a cap on the flow of state dollars to school districts.

A damaged vehicle is seen in the aftermath of a June 2024 crash in Thurston County, in which the driver of another vehicle was suspected of speeding and driving under the influence. (Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff Office)
Washington Senate passes bill to require speed limiting devices for habitual speeders

The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday attempting to stop habitual speeders… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.