Sean's father was very active in his performances, and both of Sean's parents were at the air show. DeRosier also is survived by a girlfriend and two stepchildren, he said.

"Our hearts go our to Mr. deRosier's family and friends," said Maj. Curtis Hill, a Miramar spokesman.

Sean was one of the youngest performers on the air show circuit and was a highly respected pilot.

"Sean was a terrific sportsman, he loved performing, he loved his plane. He said he was working on another, new improved plane, and was looking forward to finishing her," said Gabreal Franklin.  "Everyone liked and respected Sean very much. He will be sorely missed."
 

He was a civilian stunt pilot, and  died of extensive injuries after his aerobatic plane crashed Friday during an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Sean deRosier left his home near Vacaville to perform at the annual Miramar Air Show, which attracts many thousands of spectators and aviation fans, and presents both civilian and military aircraft.
He was flying a custom built airplane that he built himself.

Sean deRosier lived in of Fairfield, California.
He was one of the first performers to take-off at the start of the three-day Miramar Air Show Oct 15, 16 and 17, 2004. 

He was 31 years old, and had recently been interviewed by Gabreal Franklin and Brian Ging as he performed at several major airshows.

"He was pretty much coming straight down, and the ground came too quickly," said witness Melissa Hershner, 25, of Durham, N.C. 
The single-engine "Sky Rocker" crashed on a dirt patch between two runways about 10:15 a.m.

The air show was stopped following the crash, all flights were halted at the military base in north-central San Diego. Shortly after noon, the flights resumed.

The wreckage of the hand made craft was hauled away to a secure hangar, where FTA investigators will work to determine what caused the tragedy.

One eye witness, Joe Balestreri, 43, said he heard two loud bangs before the plane hit the ground. "I told my wife that the plane was going to crash," he said. "He was doing twirls and heading toward the ground at a 75-degree angle just before he began to flatten out."
 

An emergency helicopter immediately flew Sean to Scripps Memorial hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:39 am due to massive internal injuries and trauma to his chest, reported hospital spokesman Don Stanziano.
"His family asked that I convey to the public that he was a great son, a great pilot," Stanziano said. "He loved airplanes and he loved to fly."

The air show Website described deRosier's plane as having ""
 

Sean deRosier's home air field is Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, California. Dave Bastian, interim manager said staff and friends quickly arranged to fly to San Diego after learning of the crash.

One of Sean's major sponsors was Cabo Wabo, owned by Sammy Haggar.

This 900-pound, 210 horsepower plane has a maximum level speed of 184 mph and was constructed for very high stress stunts from a $300 set of plans.

Description of Seanís Plane.
Engine: Lycoming-custom built, 210 HP high performance engine.

Prop: Whirlwind Propeller
Weight:900 Lbs.
Smoke: Special built 1 one of a kind mini-jet engines custom built into wing tips
Awards: 1999 Oshkosh - Outstanding Workmanship Award for a plan-built airplane

www.highvoltageairshows.com

This 900-pound, 210 horsepower plane has a maximum level speed of 184 mph and was constructed for very high stress stunts from a $300 set of plans.

Description of Seanís Plane.
Engine: Lycoming-custom built, 210 HP high performance engine.

Prop: Whirlwind Propeller
Weight:900 Lbs.
Smoke: Special built 1 one of a kind mini-jet engines custom built into wing tips
Awards: 1999 Oshkosh - Outstanding Workmanship Award for a plan-built airplane