2 dead and 1 injured in Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Colorado

Two people are dead and one is injured after a Civil Air Patrol plane crashed in Colorado on Saturday, Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.

Polis identified the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The person who was injured was identified as the co-pilot.

The plane, out of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron, crashed in Larimer County, Polis said.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on X Saturday afternoon that it, along with Larimer County Emergency Services and local partners, were responding to a plane crash near Storm Mountain, about 48 miles north of Boulder.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the plane was a Cessna 182. It was conducting a search and rescue training exercise, according to the Civil Air Patrol.

The Colorado Army National Guard airlifted the co-pilot to a medical facility for care, according to Polis. He has “serious injuries,” according to NBC News affiliate KUSA of Denver.

Polis described those who were on board as volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol “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,” Polis added.

Missions conducted by the Air Patrol “range from search-and-rescue of lost hikers or hunters, location of downed aircraft, and transport of emergency personnel or medical materials,” according to the release from Polis and Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, the Adjutant General for the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The NTSB is investigating the incident in conjunction with other agencies.