Tragic Plane Crash in Northern Wyoming Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Girl
A devastating plane crash in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming resulted in the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl and injured three of her relatives, according to authorities. The incident occurred late Monday afternoon in the area of Big Mountain, an 8,200-foot peak approximately 15 miles west of Sheridan. A medical service helicopter played a crucial role in spotting the wreckage, leading to the subsequent rescue efforts.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
The medical helicopter was dispatched to fly over the area in Bighorn National Forest, where it successfully located the downed aircraft. Rescue teams promptly set up a command post at a nearby parking lot off U.S. 14, as reported by the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arriving at the site, rescuers found the 13-year-old girl deceased and three seriously injured relatives, including an 11-year-old boy, a 53-year-old woman, and a 54-year-old man.
Response and Medical Assistance
The medical helicopter, along with another helicopter from the Wyoming Army National Guard and an ambulance, worked together to transport the survivors to nearby hospitals. Two of the injured were taken to a hospital in Billings, Montana, while the third was transported to a hospital in Sheridan. The deceased girl was flown to the command post, where her body was transferred to the Sheridan County Coroner.
Victim Identification and Fundraising Efforts
Although authorities have not officially released the identities of the victims, the Idaho Statesman reported that the family was from Boise, and the victim was identified as Amelia Palmer. Her parents, Earl and Cindy Palmer, were reportedly in critical condition, while her younger brother sustained minor injuries. A GoFundMe campaign launched for the family has raised over $25,000 as of Wednesday morning.
Investigation and Official Response
Federal Aviation Administration investigators are currently en route to the location to initiate an investigation into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board has identified the crashed plane as a Piper PA-28-180. Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez praised the coordinated effort of the rescuers, stating, “The coordinated effort between all of the rescuers, EMS, medical teams, and aircraft personnel was exceptional… Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ and their family.”
For more information on this tragic incident, please visit Here
Image Source: www.cbsnews.com
