The Victims of the Arizona Hot Air Balloon Crash Identified
The identities of the victims killed in a hot air balloon crash over the weekend in Arizona have been released by the Eloy Police Department.
During a press conference on Monday, Eloy Mayor Micah Powell reported that the balloon had been carrying 13 adults – the pilot, four passengers, and eight skydivers – before the balloon crashed into an empty field in a desert area 65 miles southeast of Phoenix.
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In a tragic turn of events, the skydivers were able to exit the balloon without incident and complete their skydiving experience. However, something catastrophic happened afterward, causing the balloon to crash to the ground, according to the police statement.
The Victims
The Eloy Police Department has identified the victims as follows:
- Pilot: Cornelius Van Der Walt, 37, a resident of Eloy originally from South Africa.
- Passenger: Chayton Wiescholek, 28, of Union City, Michigan.
- Passenger: Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, of Andrews, Indiana.
- Passenger: Atahan Kiliccote, 24, of Cupertino, California.
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Additionally, Valerie Stutterheima, 23, from Scottsdale, Arizona, was critically injured in the crash.
The Impact and Investigation
The crash occurred in what is known as “the world’s largest drop zone” for skydivers, according to Mayor Powell.
The Eloy Police Department is currently collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate this incident.
Eyewitnesses reported that in the last few seconds before the impact, the hot air balloon was descending straight down, resulting in a significant impact.
The NTSB stated that investigators have arrived at the scene to document and examine the hot air balloon. The balloon will be moved to a secure facility for further investigation.
Final Words
The Eloy Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. They also express their thoughts and well wishes to Valerie Stutterheima as she receives medical care.
At this time, the cause of the crash remains unknown. Further investigation will be conducted to determine the factors that led to this devastating event.
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