### Deadly Plane Crash in Northern Colorado During Civil Air Patrol Training

Tragically, a Civil Air Patrol plane went down on Saturday in northern Colorado, resulting in two fatalities and one individual sustaining severe injuries. The victims were part of a search-and-rescue training exercise in the mountainous area of Larimer County when the aircraft, a Cessna 182, crashed under mysterious circumstances.

Local authorities reported that two of the crewmembers were declared dead at the crash site. Another member, suffering from grave injuries, was swiftly airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Currently, the cause of the crash remains undetermined, prompting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which announced its involvement via a post on X.

The Civil Air Patrol expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured full cooperation with the NTSB's investigation. In a joint statement, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Major General Laura Clellan of Colorado's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs identified the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The injured survivor, co-pilot Randall Settergren, is receiving medical care.

Governor Polis acknowledged the selfless service of the Civil Air Patrol members, highlighting their volunteerism and dedication to making Colorado safer. "The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten," said Polis, while extending his gratitude to the first responders involved in the rescue and recovery efforts.

Major General Clellan conveyed her deepest sympathies to the families affected and described the crash as a devastating loss for the Civil Air Patrol community. She emphasized the significant role played by these volunteers in maintaining public safety across Colorado, pointing out their contributions to search-and-rescue missions and disaster response.

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, tasked with a variety of missions, including the search and rescue of lost individuals, locating downed aircraft, and the transportation of emergency personnel and medical supplies. Their work saves lives and ensures that essential services reach areas in need, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters.