Lafayette, LA – Tragedy struck on Thursday when a small plane piloted by Greg Manuel, a renowned local builder and co-owner of Manuel Builders, crashed at Oakbourne Country Club, claiming his life. Manuel, 73, was a respected figure in the construction industry, known for transforming his family’s business into one of the largest residential and commercial construction firms in the region. The company, founded by his father in 1963, has grown under his leadership, expanding operations well beyond Louisiana into Texas, leaving an indelible mark on the local construction landscape.
The fatal crash occurred just a few hundred feet from the runway at Lafayette Regional Airport, near the greens and fairways of Oakbourne’s golf course. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but Manuel was pronounced dead on arrival. According to officials, he was the sole occupant of the plane at the time of the crash.
Manuel’s deep connection to the Lafayette community was rooted in more than just his business achievements. His path to becoming a builder began after he served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. This military background, coupled with his sharp business acumen, helped him develop the discipline and determination that drove the success of Manuel Builders. He took over the family company in the 1970s and grew it exponentially, gaining a reputation not only for the quality of his work but also for his leadership and vision. His contributions to the construction industry are widely recognized, both in terms of the homes and buildings his company constructed and the jobs it created for the local economy.
The exact cause of Thursday’s crash is still under investigation. Authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) arrived shortly after the crash to conduct a preliminary investigation, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to join in the coming days. Early reports from local news outlets, including *The Acadiana Advocate*, indicated that Manuel was piloting the aircraft when it went down, though details regarding the moments leading up to the crash remain unclear. Both the FAA and NTSB will work to uncover whether mechanical issues, weather conditions, or other factors played a role.
Investigations into aviation accidents such as this one typically take months, as officials will need to thoroughly examine the wreckage and analyze data from the aircraft, weather reports, and possibly even communications from the plane’s instruments. Investigators will likely look at all factors, including the pilot’s health, flight experience, and any potential technical issues with the aircraft. Although Manuel was known as a capable and experienced pilot, the investigation will seek to provide a clearer picture of what transpired.
Manuel’s death is a significant blow to Lafayette’s construction community, where he was seen as a pioneering figure. Under his leadership, Manuel Builders became a household name, recognized for its craftsmanship and dedication to client satisfaction. His influence reached far beyond the company’s projects, as he was known for mentoring young professionals in the industry and sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. His legacy of dedication to his craft and his community has left a lasting impact, not only in the physical structures his company built but also in the relationships he fostered and the lives he touched.
Community members, business associates, and friends have expressed their deep sorrow over his passing. Many remember him as a humble yet driven individual who always prioritized the people around him. He was active in numerous local charitable causes and supported many initiatives aimed at improving the Lafayette area, further cementing his role as a community leader.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, and the community remains in mourning as they await further details on the investigation. In the meantime, many are reflecting on the extraordinary contributions Greg Manuel made to Lafayette, both in his professional endeavors and in his personal life. His death leaves a profound void in the region, and he will be remembered not only as a builder of homes and businesses but as a builder of community spirit and resilience.
As the FAA and NTSB continue their investigation, more information is expected to emerge in the coming days, though it may take months before any conclusive findings are reported. Until then, the Lafayette community will continue to grieve the loss of one of its most respected and beloved figures.