A pilot involved in combating a Colorado wildfire died after their aircraft crashed into a mountain reservoir on Sunday. The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team found the pilot’s body in Silver Jack Reservoir, reported Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie. The body will be sent to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office. Authorities are withholding the pilot’s name until the family is informed.
The crash occurred around 5:17 p.m. The Gunnison Regional Communications Center received reports of an aircraft down at Silver Jack Reservoir, located in the southwestern portion of Gunnison County.
The firefighting aircraft was assigned to the Gold Mountain Fire in southwestern Colorado, and preliminary information shows the pilot was the only person onboard.
Investigators have not identified the crash’s cause. Responders included deputies, investigators, and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office dive team.
The Gold Mountain Fire has affected approximately 35,600 acres and was 5% contained as of Sunday, based on information from the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Fire officials predict continued activity, with shifting winds potentially carrying smoke across various communities in the coming days. Consequently, an air quality health advisory is in place for several regions across Colorado.
Authorities plan to release further details once they have informed the pilot’s next of kin.