CACHE COUNTY, Utah — Two people were killed Friday when a single-engine plane belonging to Utah State University crashed in a remote part of Cache County.
The Cache County Sheriff's Office received a call of a plane down at around 9 a.m. on private property near 2685 South Highway 23 in a remote area south of Mendon.
Witnesses told the sheriff's office that there were no survivors of the crash.
Both occupants of the plane were part of USU's Aviation Technology program, which trains pilots and technicians for the aviation industry.
University officials later identified the victims as Blake Shumway, a certified flight instructor who has worked with the school since September, and Michael Carpenter, a student majoring in aviation technology scheduled to graduate in the fall.
“We are devastated by this morning’s tragic crash and the loss of members in our USU community,” said USU President Noelle E. Cockett. “Every student and employee is part of our Aggie family, and we know many individuals will feel this loss deeply.”
The school has canceled all other flights Friday and counseling is being made available to employees and students within the program.
"The Sheriff’s Office offers its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the occupants," the office said in a statement. "Please keep the families of this crash in your thoughts and prayers."
The National Transportation Safety Board will begin an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Verified GoFundMe pages have been set up for the families of both victims. They can be viewed at the links below:
