UTAH COUNTY, Utah — Two people were killed and one injured in a plane crash Tuesday morning in a remote area of Slate Canyon near Kyhv Peak in Utah County.
The individuals who were killed in the crash were identified by officials as 26-year-old Evan Backers of South Jordan and 23-year-old Collin Niemela of Santaquin.
It was initially reported that Backers was from Hideout, Utah but officials issued a correction Wednesday.
The flight took off from the Spanish Fork Airport before the fatal crash.
Officials say the plane crashed at around 11:15 a.m. in an inaccessible area east of Provo. Because of the remote location along Squaw Peak Road, first responders used a LifeFlight helicopter to get to the crash site.
Utah County Sheriff's Office official gives crash briefing below:
The lone survivor of the crash was found walking around the site, while the two dead were discovered inside the plane. The LifeFlight helicopter was used to hoist the survivor from the area and bring them to the hospital in an unknown condition.
"I've seen a lot of wrecks, the pictures, I've been on a lot of scenes of those, and any time somebody survives a landing that's not essentially on a runway, they're very, very fortunate," said Sgt. Spencer Cannon with the Utah County Sheriff's Office. "The fact that somebody might be able to survive when two others did not tells you that timing and whatever was just right for that person."
Cannon added that the one surviving person being found walking around the crash site was a good sign and gave rescuers hope.
According to a GoFundMe page created to raise money for the family, Backers leaves behind his wife, Alexis, and their 16-month-old son, Emmett. The couple was also expected a new baby in April.
"As the main financial provider for his family, Evan's passing has left them facing unimaginable grief and financial challenges," the fundraiser said.
Friends of Niemela posted a separate GoFundMe page to assist his family.
"Whether Collin was cheering us up with his infectious laughter or lending a helping hand, his impact on our lives is immeasurable," the friends wrote.
The reason for the flight to be in the air is not known, with Cannon saying officials are unaware if the pilot and passengers were sightseeing or if it was a training flight.
Cannon added that due to the remote location of the crash site, it would likely take several more hours for the recovery of the victims.
The survivor was a 22-year-old man who lived in Springville. He is now in the Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.
