Greg Manuel, co-owner of Manuel Builders, has been identified as the victim in Thursday’s small plane crash near Lafayette Airport.
Public Information Officer and Investigator Alton Trahan with the Lafayette Fire Department confirmed the news along with company officials who delivered the heartbreaking news to Manuel Builders employees earlier in the day.
Manuel Builders, a family-owned business, has been building homes in South Louisiana and Texas for more than 65 years, earning a reputation for integrity, excellence and a strong commitment to community values.
Greg Manuel, who joined the business with his father at the age of 13, was known for his commitment to these principles. Along with his wife, Greg believed in building a community of like-minded people who valued trust and relationships, a philosophy that extended to their customers and the homes they built. Manuel was 73 years old.
The fatal crash occurred on an open grass field near Oakbourne Country Club in Lafayette. According to reports, Greg Manuel was the only passenger on the plane and thankfully no one was injured and no damage was done to nearby homes or other people at this time.
Emergency responders, including the Lafayette Fire Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Acadian Ambulance and Lafayette Airport Commission officials, were immediately on the scene. The investigation has been turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Manuel’s sudden and tragic passing is a significant loss to the Lafayette community. Greg Manuel was a successful businessman, devoted family man and respected leader whose values resonated deeply with his company and the wider community.
