A tragic event occurred southwest of Berthoud on Wednesday morning, August 13, when an ultralight glider crashed and subsequently caught fire after what is suspected to be a collision with power lines. According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, the crash took place around 8:40 a.m. in the 3600 block of West County Road 2, near the Larimer-Boulder county line. Responding to the scene, emergency services found the sole occupant, a man from Boulder, deceased within the wreckage of the glider.
The preliminary investigation led authorities to believe the glider likely struck several power lines before crashing onto the dirt road, causing significant damage to nearby utilities. First responders from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Berthoud Fire Protection District and Thompson Valley EMS, were quick to extinguish the flames, which were contained to the aircraft only. Poudre Valley REA confirmed that about 55 of their members were initially affected by a power outage, but they managed quickly to restore utility services to the majority, with only three homes remaining to be reconnected as of the last update.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, there have been no further reports of injuries or additional property damage. The investigation into the exact cause of the crash remains ongoing. The Larimer County Coroner's Office is expected to release the identity of the deceased, along with the official cause and manner of death, once they have concluded their examinations.
