THATCHER — The Gila Valley filled the stands and track around John Mickelson Field at Eastern Arizona College on Saturday, to remember “The Bingham Boyz.”
The community was invited to a celebration of life for Jeremy Bingham, 48; and sons Bailey, 26, Gavin, 24, and Ayden, 21; all of whom died in a plane crash off the coast of San Diego on Sunday, June 8.
Anecdotes about the men were shared by Jeremy’s friend, Tristan Hatch.
“Be a friend like Jeremy,” Hatch said. “This world could never have too many Jeremys.”
The women in their lives — Stephanie, Jeremy’s wife and mother to Bailey, Gavin and Ayden; Ashlyn, Bailey’s wife; Camille Bryce, Ayden’s fiancé; Kadie, Jeremy and Stephanie’s daughter and sister to the three younger men; and Mary, Jeremy’s mother — also shared stories, including Jeremy’s recovery from an injury that nearly caused paralysis during the only Thatcher-Safford alumni football game, Gavin’s recovery from a motorcycle accident, Ayden’s proposal to Camille in snowy Canada, and Bailey’s joy at the birth of his son, Carter, in 2024.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The family also shared a slide show of photos of the men from throughout their lives, set to their favorite music.
Prayers were offered by Jason Lunt and Brent Jacob.
A recording of the ceremony can be viewed at the McDougal-Caldwell Funerals and Cremations Facebook page.
A GoFundMe to help the families can be found by clicking here.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:07 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, to correct Jeremy Bingham’s name in the photo captions.
