KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The volleyball community in Knoxville is honoring one of its own after losing Vasile Ghelan, 35, in a plane crash near the Rockwood Airport on Tuesday.
“Vas was the absolute kindest most loving human being I’ve ever met,” said Robin Hill Ghelan, one of his teammates for over 6 years.
The people closest to him were stunned by his death.
"I just couldn't believe that it was real," said David Middlebrooks, a teammate and close friend.
On Wednesday night, they remembered Vas Ghelan as the guy with the biggest smile in the room who loved his volleyball.
"His love of the game and the never-quit attitude he always had on the court with everybody ... Vas was the absolute kindest most loving human being I've ever met," said Hill.
As his volleyball community continues to honor the man that he was, they say there was no one like him. Now, as they begin the healing process, many said they will strive to be more like him.
"My hope is high that we can all live some Vas in us, through what we've experienced through him," said Hill.
Organizers of Ultra Instinct Volleyball announced that they would have a moment to honor Ghelan before their usual league game Wednesday evening. They invited anyone who knew Ghelan to attend at Rocky Hill Ball Field.
"Please come out and show love and appreciation as we take a moment to celebrate and appreciate this amazing guy, as a community," they said in a post on social media.
Authorities said they found Ghelan dead Tuesday at the plane's crash site. It had come from Island home Airport, they said. The crash attracted the attention of federal organizations.
The National Transportation Safety Bureau said they were investigating the crash, and to expect an initial report in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
But no definitive answers until the investigation is completed which could take up to 2 years. Several local agencies responded to search for Ghelan and the plane after it went down.
"He brought such grace such wisdom to the court as far as lifting people up and just, he had no judgment for anyone," said one of his friends. "I don't think we have another Vas."
The Volleyball league he played with will hold the VG volleyball tournament at the Rocky Hill Baseball Field in his honor on June 26.