FORT COLLINS, Colo. — On Saturday, a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed during a training mission in Colorado, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving another significantly injured, officials confirmed.

Authorities from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, along with Larimer County Emergency Services and other local agencies, responded to reports of the crash near Storm Mountain, located around 80 miles northwest of Denver, shortly after 11 a.m. local time on Saturday. Upon arrival, deputies found three passengers on board, with two confirmed deceased.

The surviving passenger was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries, according to the sheriff’s office. The crash site was situated in a challenging area to reach, as explained by spokesperson Ali Adams from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

“The difficult terrain means that recovery operations are expected to take several days,” Adams stated.

The aircraft that went down was identified as a Cessna 182 by the Civil Air Patrol, according to a statement released to the Fort Collins Coloradoan, part of the YSL News Network. The incident took place during a regular training mission, per the sheriff’s office.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis confirmed that the deceased included pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The injured co-pilot, identified as Randall Settergren, was saved by a helicopter from the Colorado Army National Guard.

The Civil Air Patrol stated it would fully cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during the investigation. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is heading the investigation and will collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB.

“Our personnel are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to guaranteeing their safety and well-being,” remarked Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, the national commander of the organization.

The crashed plane was part of a Civil Air Patrol training mission

The aircraft involved in the incident near Storm Mountain was affiliated with the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Governor Polis noted.

The Civil Air Patrol indicated that the plane was engaged in a search-and-rescue training exercise at the time of the crash, which was specifically centered around aerial photography.

Aerial photography plays a crucial role in Civil Air Patrol’s operations, which include search and rescue as well as disaster response, as explained by Chief Growth Officer Kristina Jones to The Coloradoan.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of two committed members of the Civil Air Patrol, Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. My thoughts are with their families, friends, and colleagues,” said Polis in a statement.

“These individuals, alongside injured co-pilot Randall Settergren, were volunteers dedicated to making Colorado a safer and better place,” he added. “The State of Colorado appreciates their commitment to service, which we will remember. I also want to acknowledge the first responders who participated in the rescue and recovery operations.”

The Civil Air Patrol, a nonprofit organization, serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. In Colorado, the Civil Air Patrol participates in search-and-rescue efforts for lost hikers and hunters, locating crashed aircraft, and aiding in the transportation of emergency responders and medical supplies, as stated by the governor’s office.

The Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol consists of 39 squadrons, encompassing cadet, composite, and senior squadrons, according to its official site. The Thompson Valley Composite Squadron operates out of Fort Collins.

This composite squadron includes both cadets and senior members, as detailed on the Colorado Wing’s website.

“The volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol play an invaluable role within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and their lifesaving efforts significantly enhance the safety of Coloradans statewide,” expressed Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan of the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, and the injury of Randall Settergren.”