DENVER (KDVR) — A Civil Air Patrol plane crashed Saturday, killing two onboard and injuring a third.
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on X that its deputies, along with Larimer County Emergency Services and other local partners were responding to the crash near Storm Mountain at about noon on Saturday.
“Efforts are ongoing to make direct contact with the individuals on board,” the sheriff’s office wrote on X.
In a press conference Saturday afternoon, a public information officer for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three people were in the plane when it crashed, and two of them died. According to the Colorado Governor’s Office, the aircraft was part of the Thomspon Valley Composite Squadron and was conducting a routine training mission for training on aerial photography.
Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement at about 5 p.m. on Saturday, identifying the two killed as Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The third person on board was identified as Randall Settergen. He was severely injured and received some treatment on scene, but was being airlifted to a hospital for further medical attention.
“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of two dedicated Civil Air Patrol members, Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, who lost their lives in today’s crash and my thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues,” Polis shared in a written statement. “These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, who was injured, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all. The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the first responders who assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts.”
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the crash working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
“The volunteers of Civil Air Patrol are a valuable part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the lifesaving work they do on a daily basis directly contributes to the public safety of Coloradans throughout the state,” said Major General Laura Clellan. “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. 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.”
SkyFOX flew over the scene and saw numerous emergency vehicles and first responders in the area.
Due to the rocky terrain, the sheriff’s office said it took first responders a while to reach the specific location of the crash and recovery may take a few days.
According to FlightAware, the flight took off at 10:09 a.m. from the Northern Colorado Regional Airport near Fort Collins and Loveland. The flight path on FlightAware shows that the plane went West over some mountains before circling multiple times and crashing around 11:10 a.m.
The plane that crashed was a Civil Air Patrol plane. Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit and is the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, conducting missions such as locating downed aircraft, transporting medical personnel and medical materials, and search-and-rescue for lost hikers or hunters.
Civil Air Patrol said the plane was a single-engine Cessna 182 that was flying for a search and rescue training exercise.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, members, and friends affected by this tragic event,” said Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, national commander of Civil Air Patrol. “Our members serve because they care about America’s communities. Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security.”
A spokesperson for the NTSB told FOX31 that it is investigating the crash but did not have information to share about the circumstances.
