ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The hot air balloon community is saying goodbye to one of its most influential figures. Scott Appelman died unexpectedly Thursday at the age of 66.

His untimely death sends shockwaves throughout the ballooning community in New Mexico and around the world.

“No sport, no activity grows if there are no fighters behind the scenes. He is 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 company in the country and a major player during Balloon Fiesta.

But that’s just a small part of what 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 cannot even describe, the sadness is just incomprehensible,” Nakamura said.

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

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

Appelman founded Rainbow Ryders in 1983 with a single balloon. He was just 25 years old at the time and was still learning to fly.

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

Sullivan says Appelman was a natural talent.

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

Just a few years later, Appelman joined the board of Balloon Fiesta, where he quickly had a brilliant idea.

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

Sullivan says he did the same thing with special shapes. Forty years later, they are one of the most popular events at Balloon Fiesta.

“When you see a balloon glow in the evening, you’ll think of Scott because he helped create it. When you see a special shape take off at our Special Shape Rodeo, you should think of Scott because Scott helped create this event,” Nakamura said.

His legacy extends beyond the balloon festival.

“Scott Appleman did everything he could to ensure that his passengers not only had an enjoyable flight, but also an incredibly safe one. His pilots were among the best in the country, and that is because of the skills and values ​​Scott Appleman instilled in them,” said Nakamura.

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

“When we talked about solving this problem, it wasn’t just about his company, because it would affect him. It was about everyone involved in ballooning, not just pilots, but also the people who enjoy watching the sport,” Nakamura said.

When the balloons are removed, Nakamura and Sullivan will remember Appelman’s bright, loving personality.

“I think his personality is just his laugh and the fact that he’s around me. He’s just fun to be around,” Sullivan said.

“He was passionate and driven and wanted to make sure what we were doing was the best. And if there was a problem, you could count on Scott to help solve it,” Nakamura said.

Nakamura says Appelman’s death is all the more devastating because it was his birthday just a few days ago.

The Rainbow Ryders released a statement saying, in part:

“The entire Rainbow Ryders family extends its deepest condolences to Appelman’s family during this difficult time. We ask that the Appelman family’s privacy be respected. 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 he embodied.”

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta issued a statement:

“The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the ballooning community are devastated to hear of the passing of Scott Appelman. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. Scott’s fingerprints and legacy cover the Balloon Fiesta through his leadership on our board and organizing the first Balloon Glow™ and Special Shape Rodeo™. So many accomplishments, all of which will be celebrated and honored in due time. At this time, we mourn his passing and the loss of the balloonist.”

Appelman was 66 years old.