DENVER - On November 23, 2024, Governor Jared Polis and Major General Laura Clellan released the following statements after the crash of a Civil Air Patrol Plane in Larimer County that resulted in the loss of Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, and the injury of Randall Settergren. The aircraft was out of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron and was conducting a routine training mission training aerial photography. A rescue was conducted via helicopter by the Colorado Army National Guard and Randall Settergran was airlifted to a medical facility in order to receive care. 

“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of two dedicated Civil Air Patrol members, Pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, who lost their lives in today’s crash and my thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues. These individuals, along with survivor co-pilot Randall Settergren, who was injured, served the Civil Air Patrol as volunteers who wanted to help make Colorado a better, safer place for all. The State of Colorado is grateful for their commitment to service and it will not be forgotten. I also want to thank the first responders who assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

“The volunteers of Civil Air Patrol are a valuable part of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the lifesaving work they do on a daily basis directly contributes to the public safety of Coloradans throughout the state. We are devastated to hear of the loss of Susan Wolber and Jay Rhoten, and the injury of Randall Settergren, during a training mission in Larimer county. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of those involved in the crash. I would also like to thank all of the first responders who assisted with rescue efforts,” said Major General Laura Clellan. 

Colorado Civil Air Patrol missions range from search-and-rescue of lost hikers or hunters, location of downed aircraft, and transport of emergency personnel or medical materials. CAP flies hundreds of flight hours of both training and real world missions each year. CAP squadrons also respond to disasters by transporting doctors, firefighters or emergency personnel to the areas in need.