Two people died and one was left injured after a U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Colorado over the weekend.
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According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, the plane crash occurred in Colorado’s Front Range, near Storm Mountain and Palisade Mountain west of Loveland, around 11:15 a.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The Colorado Civil Air Patrol confirmed that the plane, which belonged to the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, was conducting a routine training mission training aerial photography.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office further stated that upon arrival, deputies discovered three passengers on board the crashed aircraft.
“Unfortunately, two of the passengers have been confirmed deceased,” law enforcement officials then revealed. “The third passenger was transported to an area hospital with severe injuries.”
The officials further revealed that the Larimer County Search and Rescue responded to the initial call. It will continue to assist with recovery operations in the coming days.
However, due to the extreme, rugged terrain, recovery may take several days.
Captain Bobby Moll of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office also released a statement. “Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to investigate the crash to provide closure for the families involved,” Moll stated. “We are deeply grateful to our local partners, who respond without hesitation in these critical situations. The dedication and commitment to public safety demonstrated by everyone involved is truly unmatched.”
Following the crash, the Civil Air Patrol stated, “CAP will cooperate fully with the NTSB in the investigation. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our members, communities, and partners, during this difficult time.”
The Civil Air Patrol was the civilian auxiliary wing of the U.S. Air Force.
The Passengers Onboard the Crashed Plane Have Been Identified
Meanwhile, CBS News has identified those onboard the crashed plane.
The plane’s pilot, Susan Wolber, as well as aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, were identified as those killed. The U.S. Civil Air Patrol confirmed the two are deceased.
Meanwhile, co-pilot Randall Settergren was identified as the person injured. Settergren was reportedly airlifted to a nearby hospital by a National Guard helicopter. He is currently undergoing medical care.
Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, adjutant general of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke out about the plane crash. “The volunteers of Civil Air Patrol are a valuable part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” Clellan stated. “And the lifesaving work they do on a daily basis directly contributes to the public safety of Coloradans throughout the state.”
“We are devastated to hear of the loss of Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, and the injury of Randall Settergren, during a training mission in Larimer County,” McClellan added. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of those involved in the crash. I would also like to thank all of the first responders who assisted with rescue efforts.”