A Civil Air Patrol plane crash Saturday morning in Colorado left two people dead and a third “severely injured,” according to authorities. The Civil Air Patrol confirmed that the occupants of the Cessna 182 were participating in a search and rescue training exercise when the plane went down in a wooded area of Larimer County.  The Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Saturday night that the crash on Storm Mountain, about 80 miles north of Denver, was reported shortly after 11 a.m.  Responding deputies found all three people who were on board, with two later confirmed dead.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis identified the deceased as pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten. The person who was injured was identified as the co-pilot.  According to Polis, the Colorado Army National Guard airlifted the co-pilot to a medical facility for care, which the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office describing the survivor’s injuries as “severe.”  Polis said of those on board that they “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.”

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, national commander of Civil Air Patrol, said in a statement: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, members, and friends affected by this tragic event. Our members serve because they care about America’s communities. Our people are our most important resource, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and security. Civil Air Patrol will cooperate fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation to learn more about the factors that contributed. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our members, communities, and partners, who have expressed support during this difficult time.”

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