A tragic incident unfolded in the serene landscape of Little Cottonwood Canyon as a small plane crash claimed one life and left another individual critically injured. The crash, which occurred in the Albion Basin area near the Alta Ski Area on Sunday just after 5:20 p.m., involved a small aircraft carrying two people, as reported by KSL.com. Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Hannah Gorski confirmed the casualties, stating that one of the occupants died at the scene, while the other was transported in critical condition to University Hospital.
Responders from the Unified Fire Authority, Alta Marshal's Office, and the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office were quick to arrive at the site of the devastation, according to KMYU. Witnesses at the scene, including a couple taking engagement photos, described a "big cloud of dust" as the aircraft went down. "All of a sudden, it's really low. And I was like, 'Oh, it's super low.' And then we lost them," Crystal Hulse told KMYU. She and her partner, Hunter Priest, joined others in rushing to assist the crash victims. Authorities have requested that the public avoid the area to ensure safety and facilitate investigation efforts by the FAA and NTSB, which are expected to begin on Monday.
The Alta Mayor, Roger Bourke, expressed his condolences, "Our hearts go out to the families and friends and loved ones of those who've been injured or died in this," as per FOX 13. The Albion Basin campground, a site frequented by enthusiasts of the abundant natural beauty, is set to close for the season this Monday, a closure overshadowed by the weekend's unfortunate events.
Additional information regarding the crash has been limited, with the identities of the victims not yet released pending notifications of next of kin. The aftermath of the incident attracted the solidarity of the community, with witnesses recounting efforts to provide aid and comfort. "It was pretty quick. Happened really quick," Hulse added, as obtained by KMYU, reflecting on the swift convergence of passersby and first responders. The full scope of the crash's ramifications will unfold as investigators arrive to unearth the details behind this sudden breach in the canyon's tranquil visage.
