A Civil Air Patrol aircraft tragically crashed in Colorado, leading to the deaths of the pilot and an aerial photographer.
The incident took place in Larimer County on Saturday and claimed the lives of pilot Susan Wolber and photographer Jay Rhoten, as confirmed by a statement from the office of Governor Jared Polis.

At the time of the crash, the plane was engaged in a routine training mission. The co-pilot, Randall Settergren, sustained injuries and was subsequently airlifted to a medical facility by a helicopter from the Colorado Army National Guard.

Governor Polis expressed gratitude for the dedication of those involved in the Civil Air Patrol, emphasizing that their commitment to service will be remembered. He also acknowledged the first responders who played a crucial role in the rescue and recovery efforts through a message shared on social media.

The Civil Air Patrol serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and is a nonprofit organization boasting a membership of approximately 60,000 individuals across the country.
With a fleet of 550 aircraft, the organization conducts various missions, including inland search and rescue operations within the continental United States.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center credits the Civil Air Patrol with an impressive record of saving around 70 lives each year.

Additionally, its volunteer members are active in a range of operations that include homeland security, disaster response, and drug interdiction, often at the request of federal, state, and local authorities.