ST. GEORGE – A helicopter was found with its occupants deceased Monday sometime prior to 3 p.m. in the Range Creek area of Emery County concluding a widespread search since it was reported overdue Sunday around 8 p.m.
Two men left the area of Green River in an R-22-like helicopter at approximately 11:15 a.m. Sunday to search for elk antler sheds, according to a statement released by the Grand County Sheriff’s Office earlier today. When the helicopter was reported overdue at 8 p.m., the Department of Public Safety was contacted to assist in the search with its helicopter throughout Sunday night and again Monday morning.
At 2:54 p.m. Monday, Grand County Sheriff’s Office posted an update to its release indicating the helicopter had been located, and at 3:38 p.m. that both occupants were deceased and recovery operations were in progress.
The search covered several counties surrounding Grand County, with agencies and private parties assisting.
“We have lots of people, lots of people who have got up in the air,” a family member of one of the occupants told St. George News earlier today.
Emery County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting the recovery effort, Molly Barnes of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office said. Further details will be forthcoming.
Neither Emery County nor Grand County sheriff’s offices have formally released names of the deceased. To insure proper notifications have been made, St. George News is reserving publication of names with this report.
This is a developing story.
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