The Sky King meme refers to Richard Russell, a Horizon Air ground handler who, in August 2018, took an unauthorized flight in a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. During his hour-long flight, Russell performed incredible aerial stunts, including a barrel roll, while engaging in a poignant and surprisingly calm conversation with air traffic control about his life and regrets. While the event ended tragically, the internet quickly canonized Russell as 'Sky King,' transforming his story into a symbol of the doomer spirit—representing a longing for freedom from the mundane grind of modern existence. The meme is typically used to evoke feelings of bittersweet liberation, transcendence, and the pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of the consequences.