CASPER, Wyo. — A Green River pilot reported missing Tuesday was found deceased at the site where his single-engine aircraft crashed in a remote area near Little Mountain southwest of Rock Springs, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday evening.
The pilot is identified as 50-year-old Kelly Melvin. His Piper Comanche aircraft departed from Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport and was destined for California.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Melvin’s family and friends during this tragedy, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and dedication of everyone involved in this effort,” Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle said in the release.
The crash site is now part of an active investigation, and authorities are reminding the public to stay away. “Interfering with the site could compromise the investigation and result in legal consequences,” the release said.
The crash site was discovered around 2 p.m. Wednesday during a coordinated ground and aerial search. The night before, a Utah Air National Guard Apache helicopter with nighttime search capabilities located an area of disturbed ground near Little Mountain.
State and federal aviation officials were notified and the investigation is now under the purview of the National Transportation and Safety Board, the SCSO said.