I lost a friend today.

I don’t speak about the dead in hushed tones nor do I attribute unjustified characteristics to them due to their passing. So when I say that, his name was Paulo Emanuele and he was one of the coolest, nicest dudes I’ve ever met. You know that I’m not telling any tales. 

My friend Todd introduced me to him and Paulo gave me my first paying gig out here in LA. He was cool as ice and mellow to the core. He will be missed.

Paulo was the General Manager of www.airliners.net and one of the guys who sold off MySpace to Rupert Murdoch. 

(From airliners.net)

It is with the deepest sorrow that we let know Paulo Emanuele, General Manager of Airliners.net died this evening in a tragic plane crash. His plane took off out of Santa Monica Airport around 5:00 PM and lost power. Paulo attempted to return to the airport, but did not make it. Paulo loved Airliners and everything it stands for.

He will be remembered for his passion, his kindness, and his love for life.

Paulo was an amazing pilot, an amazing photographer, an amazing friend, and an amazing father. He will be deeply missed.

Thank you Paulo for the time we had with you…We know you will be smiling down on us.

One of the most surreal things is I’ve actually flown in (and flown for 15 seconds) N688C, the airplane which crashed. This was officially my worst birthday ever.

My heart goes out to his daughter and girlfriend, family and friends. Paulo Emanuele was a stand up guy. It was a pleasure to have known you sir.