ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The hot air ballooning community is saying goodbye to one of their most impactful figures. Scott Appelman died unexpectedly Thursday at 66 years old.

His untimely death is sending shockwaves through the entire ballooning community in New Mexico and across the globe.

“No sport, no activity, grows unless you have the fighters behind the scenes. He’s legendary,” said Judith Nakamura, president of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Most people know Scott Appelman as the founder of Rainbow Ryders, the largest hot air balloon ride company in the country, and a major player during the Balloon Fiesta.

But that’s only scratching the surface of everything he did for ballooning. The people who knew him best say the sport is better off because of him.

“There is a numbness and emptiness that we can’t even describe, it’s just the sadness is beyond belief,” said Nakamura.

Nakamura says there’s not a balloon pilot in the world who doesn’t know Scott Appelman. 

“I don’t use this word often, but he is an icon of our sport,” said Nakamura. “It’s hard to imagine that Scott’s not going to be a part of the joy of the sport, an advocate for this sport. I can’t imagine looking at the balloons he flew and not just being touched by the impact he’s had on me personally, as well as Balloon Fiesta.” 

Appelman founded Rainbow Ryders back in 1983 with a single balloon. He was just 25 years old and was still learning how to fly himself.

“I started teaching Scott back in 1984 and that’s how I got to know him,” said Mark Sullivan, a friend of Appelman.

Sullivan says Appelman was a natural.

“He was good right away. You know, I had basically, he always said I taught him how to compete,” said Sullivan. 

Appelman joined the Balloon Fiesta board only a few years later, where he quickly had a bright idea.

“He organized the first Fiesta Balloon Glow. He took what was being done around the country, you know, a couple different places, and he organized it into a major event,” Sullivan said.  

Sullivan says he did the same thing with special shapes too. Fast forward 40 years, and they’re some of the most beloved events at the Balloon Fiesta.

“You look at a balloon glowing in the evening, you’re going to think of Scott because he helped create it. You see a special shape take off during our Special Shape Rodeo, you should think of Scott because Scott helped create that event,” said Nakamura. 

His legacy extends beyond the Balloon Fiesta.

“Scott Appleman did everything he can to ensure that his passengers not only had an enjoyable ride, but an incredibly safe ride. His pilots were some of the best in the country, and that’s because of the skills and the values that Scott Appleman instilled in them,” said Nakamura.

Appelman was also instrumental in keeping balloons flying high over Albuquerque when it looked like the FAA might ground them for good.

“When we were speaking about resolving that problem, it wasn’t just about his company, right, because it would impact him. It was about everyone in ballooning, not only pilots, but the people who enjoyed observing the sport,” Nakamura said. 

When you take the balloons out of it, Nakamura and Sullivan say they’ll remember Appelman’s bright, loving personality.

“I think just his personality is, you know, just his laugh and being around to me, it’s just fun to be around,” said Sullivan. 

“He had a passion and a drive to ensure what we did was the best. And if there was a problem, you could count on Scott to help resolve it,” Nakamura said. 

Nakamura says Appelman’s death is even more devastating because he just had a birthday a few days ago.

The Rainbow Ryders released a statement that says in part:

“The entire Rainbow Ryders family extends its deepest condolences to Appelman’s family during this difficult time. We ask to please respect the Appelman family’s privacy. We will honor Scott’s memory by continuing to uphold the values he instilled in us and by driving the company forward with the same passion and integrity that he exemplified.”

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta issued a statement:

“The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and ballooning community are devasted to learn of the passing of Scott Appelman.  Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.  Scott’s fingerprints and legacy cover the Balloon Fiesta through his leadership on our Board of Directors, organizing the first Balloon Glow™ and Special Shape Rodeo ™. So many accomplishments which will all be celebrated and commemorated in proper time. For now, we will mourn his passing and ballooning’s loss.”

Appelman was 66 years old.

Statements from local hot air ballooning clubs

Top Gun, Inc., the hot air ballooning community for competitive hot air balloon pilots in Albuquerque

“The Board and Members of Top Gun Inc were deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Scott Appleman this morning. Scott touched so many aspects of ballooning and his involvement with Top Gun was only a tiny part of the legacy he leaves behind. He was a world-class pilot and competitor with Top Gun and a generous sponsor for many years. Our heartfelt condolences are with Scott’s family and all those who will cherish his legacy.“

Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association, the first hot air ballooning community in New Mexico:

“The Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association extends heartfelt condolences on Scott Appleman’s passing. He was a dedicated supporter, volunteer, and advocate for hot air ballooning. We mourn his loss and offer our deepest sympathies to his family, the ballooning community, and the members who shared the skies with him.

The sight of a Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon flying through Albuquerque’s sky will forever be a cherished memory honoring Scott’s enduring legacy.   We are grateful for Scott’s years of generosity and expertise in Quad A and hot air ballooning.“