Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Colorado Firefighting Pilot in Reservoir

Tragically, a pilot who was assisting in containing a fierce wildfire in Colorado was discovered deceased following the crash of their firefighting plane into a mountainous reservoir on Sunday evening, as reported by authorities.

According to Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team successfully retrieved the pilot’s body from Silver Jack Reservoir. The remains will be transferred to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office for further examination.

Officials have withheld the pilot’s identity as they work to inform the next of kin.

The incident was reported around 5:17 p.m. on Sunday when the Gunnison Regional Communications Center received a notification about a downed aircraft in Silver Jack Reservoir, situated in the southwestern part of Gunnison County.

Sheriff’s officials said the aircraft was assigned to the Gold Mountain Fire, which has been burning in southwestern Colorado. Early information indicated the pilot was the only person on board.

Investigators have not said what caused the aircraft to crash. Deputies, investigators and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded to the scene.

The Gold Mountain Fire has burned about 35,600 acres and was 5% contained as of Sunday, according to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. Fire officials expect the blaze to remain active, with shifting winds likely to push smoke into different communities over the next several days.

An air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke remains in effect across parts of central, southern and western Colorado.

Authorities said they will release additional information after the pilot’s next of kin has been notified.