Friends: Jeremy was first. He died doing something stupid. He was an Instructor ironically my former boss was his student. He survived I would gladly reverse the result.
Last time I visited his grave I got angry because he should be an almost retired Captain by now.
Two others died pointlessly, an Instructor and student, no names. Spinning in from an engine failure after running out of fuel for an Instructor is unforgiveable.
Then recently Jim, another Instructor, another spin but perhaps he did nothing wrong and overtaken by a situation. The Jury is out.
That's just friends. I saw one fatal crash and knew a number of pilots who went out via the smoking hole route.
I only lost four friends. I think in peacetime away from military operations that's not too bad. It won't be the final toll though I fear.