A tragic plane crash involving the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Colorado has resulted in the deaths of the pilot and an aerial photographer, with the co-pilot suffering injuries. The crash occurred on Saturday in Larimer County during a routine training flight.
Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten were identified as the two victims, as confirmed by a statement from Governor Jared Polis’ office. Co-pilot Randall Settergren was injured in the incident and was airlifted to a medical facility by the Colorado Army National Guard.
Governor Polis expressed his condolences, acknowledging the victims’ dedication to service, and extended his gratitude for their commitment: “The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service, and it will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the first responders who assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
The Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with a nationwide membership of 60,000. It operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and is vital in inland search and rescue missions within the United States, saving an average of 70 lives each year according to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.
In addition to search and rescue, CAP volunteers play a key role in various essential services, including homeland security, disaster relief, and drug interdiction efforts, often at the request of federal, state, and local authorities. These volunteers, who serve without compensation, are integral to emergency response and community safety.
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by CAP members during both training and operational missions, even as they work to improve safety and provide critical support to their communities. Investigators will likely examine the cause of the crash to prevent future incidents.
This tragedy underscores the crucial role of the Civil Air Patrol in national and regional emergency services, and highlights the unwavering dedication of its volunteers whose contributions are vital to the safety and well-being of the nation.