MU graduate dies in plane crash in Brazil
Douglas Scott Hancock graduated from MU in 1994.
Published Oct. 6, 2006
Douglas Scott Hancock was a practical joker with a "sly sense of humor." He loved to travel, his father, Paul Hancock, said. Mr. Hancock graduated from MU in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
"I called him a 'world citizen,'" Paul Hancock said. "He saw no boundaries, and that makes for an interesting life."
Mr. Hancock died when GOL Airlines flight 1907 crashed into the Brazilian jungle on Sept. 29. He was 35.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Mr. Hancock grew up in Jackson, Mo., and graduated from Jackson High School in 1989.
"He was always a good student," Paul Hancock said. "He was on the honor roll, he was an Eagle Scout, he was involved in band and jazz band, and ran cross country."
After a stint at Southeast Missouri State University, Hancock enrolled at MU, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
"He appreciated the good times he had at Mizzou and the good education he received there," Paul Hancock said. "He really enjoyed his time in Columbia."
After graduating from MU, Mr. Hancock went to work for the McDonnell Douglas corporation. He earned two master's degrees from Washington University in St. Louis — one in engineering and the other in business administration.
Following the completion of his second master's degree, Mr. Hancock went to work for McKenzie Consulting, and he started his own consulting firm in 2005.
In 2000, he married Bianca Pi, a Brazilian citizen. They lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Paul Hancock said one of his favorite memories was his son and Bianca's wedding reception. He said there was a very diverse crowd.
"We had it at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis," he said. "There were people there from all over the world. He had made friends from all over."
Mr. Hancock is survived by his father and stepmother, Paul and Cathy Hancock of Jackson; his mother and stepfather, Sue and Chuck Hinners of Madison, Wisc.; and a brother, Andrew Hancock of Jackson.
At publication time, there were no plans for a funeral. Memorial services have already been held in Madison, Wisc., and in São Paolo and Manaus, Brazil.
Donations in Mr. Hancock's honor can be sent to his father at 1234 Ashbury Court, Jackson, Mo., 63755. Paul Hancock said he will send the donations to the Boy Scout troop in Jackson.
