Passenger In New College Plane Crash Dies

The passenger who suffered severe burns in the Jan. 12 plane crash at New College of Florida has died from his injuries, according to AnnArbor.com.

The Michigan news website reported that William Shaun Jackson passed away today, and that he was a professor at University of Michigan School of Art and Design.

Jackson's business partner Mark Zadvinskis told the website that was an expert designer and youthful man:

Zadvinskis and Jackson have been business partners for 18 years at Shaun Jackson Design and Higher Ground, which makes cases and accessories for laptops and tablets. Zadvinskis, who has been in contact with Jackson’s family, said the past few days have been difficult at the small, close-knit company.

“He’s been our spiritual leader and our sounding board," Zadvinskis said. “He’ll truly be missed by friends and family. “

Jackson was athletic and youthful, Zadvinskis said. He cycled, played hockey and liked skate skiing.

“Even though he was a 63-year-old man he was not really 63,” Zadvinskis said. “He was a very young guy. … You never would have guessed his real age.”

His University of Michigan biography highlights his noted work and the 50 patents he holds:

A highly visible member of North America's industrial Design community, Jackson holds more than 50 patents and has received national and international honors, including the prestigious IDEA award from Business Week. His designs have been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Business Week, USA Today, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, and Wired Magazine. His work has also appeared on NBC's Today Show and The Discovery Channel, and can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art Store in New York.

Jackson was being treated at Tampa General Hospital's burn unit.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.