Two people killed when Civil Air Patrol plane crashes near Drake.

Tragedy struck on Saturday when a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed in the mountains near Drake, claiming the lives of two people and leaving another in critical condition. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office was notified of the crash around 11:12 a.m. and immediately began their response efforts. Lt. Col. Mark Young of the Civil Air Patrol later confirmed that one of their planes had indeed gone down.

By 3:53 p.m., the sheriff's office sadly reported that two individuals had lost their lives in the crash and that the Cessna 182 plane had been carrying three people at the time. The surviving passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. In a statement released by Governor Jared Polis' office, the deceased were identified as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, while the surviving co-pilot was named as Randall Settergren. The plane belonged to the Civil Air Patrol's Thompson Valley Composite Squadron and was on a training mission at the time of the accident.

Governor Polis expressed his condolences and gratitude for the volunteers' commitment to service, saying, "They were dedicated individuals who wanted to make Colorado a better and safer place for everyone. Their contributions will never be forgotten." The state's adjutant general, Laura Clellan, also shared her devastation upon learning of the crash and praised the Civil Air Patrol for their vital role in public safety. Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, national commander of the Civil Air Patrol, also offered support to the families of the victims in a statement, emphasizing the importance of their members' safety and security.

The response to the crash involved various agencies, including deputies, emergency services, fire rescue, EMS, and the National Guard. The sheriff's office, along with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, is currently investigating the cause of the crash. The Civil Air Patrol, which serves as the official auxiliary of the Air Force, is based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs and is involved in search-and-rescue missions and training exercises throughout the state.

In the midst of this tragedy, Colorado also mourned the loss of an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran in a separate plane crash in Weld County, as well as two individuals injured in a crash on a Douglas County golf course. These incidents serve as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices involved in aviation and the importance of safety protocols and training.

For more Colorado news, be sure to sign up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by these heartbreaking crashes. Let us honor their memory by continuing to support and appreciate the brave individuals who serve our communities through organizations like the Civil Air Patrol.

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