Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies have confirmed two adults on board the crashed helicopter died at the scene. The Mesa County Coroner has recovered their bodies tonight and will be working with their families to confirm positive identification. The Coroner will release cause, manner and identification directly, when it becomes available.
Early reports had duck hunters and fisherman wtinessing the crash. At this time, we believe only fisherman were near the crash site. No one on the ground was injured.
Grand Valley Power has released a statement about the affected areas of Mesa County experiencing power outages. Please refer to them for proper information.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED AT 8 P.M. -- The Sheriff's Office has responded with three PIOs to work this incident. The primary media line will be: 970-986-0950, and follow #MCHeloCrash on Twitter. Media in the Grand Junction area can stage at the James M. Robb (Fruita) State Park, in Fruita.
Multiple parties reported to local dispatch about 6:18 p.m., of a report of a downed aircraft. We are working to determine if the aircraft is an ultralight helicopter, which initial witnesses described it as. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately, along with Lower Valley Fire Department and Mesa County Search and Rescue personnel.
Early reports indicate two passangers were on-board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The helicopter reportedly took off from the Grand Junction Regional Airport, earlier today. Their condition and identities are being with held at this time. We will update with this information as soon as possible.
Follow: #MCHeloCrash
@SheriffMesaColo
Power is reported to be out in the Kingview Estates subdivision, located in Fruita. Other areas reportedly experienced short outages, according to information we have as of 9 p.m.
There is a seperate search and rescue mission in Bangs Canyon (Mesa County), occuring simotaniously. That incident is being managed by the Grand Junction Fire Department. All media inquiries should be directed to their PIO.
A third incident occured in southern Mesa County (or possibly northern Montrose County). Early reports indicate a dirt bike or off road motorcycle crashed on the Uncompaghre with one patient enroute to an area hospital, in Mesa County. Mesa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to this crash, as first responders. It is unclear at this time if the crash will be handled by Colorado State Patrol, Monstrose County officials or remain with our agency.