A tragic plane crash in Larimer County on Saturday has left two people dead and one seriously injured, shaking the Colorado Civil Air Patrol community. The crash occurred near Storm Mountain, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services.
Civil Air Patrol Plane Crashes During Training Mission
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the crash around noon on Saturday, sharing that they were responding alongside other county officials. Shortly after, Governor Jared Polis and Major General Laura Clellan confirmed the crash involved a Colorado Civil Air Patrol plane, a volunteer organization that performs vital missions such as search-and-rescue operations and emergency transportation.
The plane was conducting a routine training mission, which included an aerial photographer. Civil Air Patrol missions are critical to public safety, often involving complex tasks such as locating downed aircraft or transporting medical supplies.
Governor Polis issued a statement acknowledging the loss, saying, “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.”
The Victims and Survivor
The victims of the crash were identified as Pilot Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, an aerial photographer. Both were members of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The third individual, Randall Settergren, was the co-pilot and survived the crash. He was airlifted to a medical facility via helicopter by the Colorado Army National Guard and remains injured.
Governor Polis expressed his condolences, noting the dedication and volunteer spirit of those involved: “These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all. Their commitment to service will not be forgotten.”
First Responders and Rescue Operations
Emergency teams were quick to respond to the crash site. A rescue operation was launched immediately by the Colorado Army National Guard, which managed to airlift the injured co-pilot to safety. Polis and Clellan both took a moment to thank the first responders for their swift and effective actions.
“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,” Major General Clellan said in a statement. “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.”
The Role of Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol plays a critical role in Colorado’s public safety infrastructure. Volunteers like Wolber, Rhoten, and Settergren often provide essential services that save lives and contribute to the well-being of local communities. Their dedication is especially significant, as they take on dangerous and demanding missions without pay.
While the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, the loss of these two brave individuals has cast a somber shadow over the community.
