Eric Stephens, a 57-year-old technology company founder from Roswell, Georgia, died Tuesday evening after a small plane crashed in a wooded area near Gwinnett County Airport. His death has left his wife, Cammie, their two daughters and a community of friends and church members mourning a man they remember as a mentor, devoted family man and trusted friend.
Stephens founded zPaper, a Roswell-based technology company, and spent more than 20 years building the business. His company confirmed his death Wednesday, describing him as someone who cared deeply about the people around him and helped guide those who worked alongside him.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our founder, Eric Stephens, Ph.D. Eric built zPaper over 20 years and was a mentor and friend to everyone here,” the company said in a statement.
Stephens leaves behind his wife, Cammie, and daughters Catherine and Mary, according to Roswell United Methodist Church, where he was a longtime member. News of his death also brought grief to the congregation, which remembered him as a friend and an important part of its church family.
The church opened its sanctuary and chapel Wednesday afternoon, giving members and others a place to pray and mourn. Clergy members and Stephen Ministers were available to offer support to those struggling with the news.
The church also placed a prayer quilt in the sanctuary, where it will remain through Sunday worship. Members were invited to pray over the quilt before it is presented to Stephens’ family as a reminder of the prayers and support surrounding them during this difficult time.
The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in a wooded area near Winder Highway and Bacchus Drive in Lawrenceville. According to Gwinnett County officials, the single-engine aircraft had taken off from Gwinnett County Airport about 90 minutes earlier.
The plane was attempting to return and land after experiencing engine trouble, fire officials said. Two men were trapped inside the aircraft when emergency crews arrived. Stephens died at the scene, while firefighters worked to free the second man, who was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation into the crash. Investigators are working to establish exactly what happened before the aircraft went down.
For those who knew Stephens through his company and church, his death means losing more than a business founder or longtime member. It means saying goodbye to a husband, father, mentor and friend whose absence will be felt by the people closest to him.