Current:Home > My4 people killed in Arizona hot air balloon crash identified; NTSB investigating incident-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
4 people killed in Arizona hot air balloon crash identified; NTSB investigating incident
View Date:2024-12-23 16:27:38
A pilot and three other passengers were identified by authorities Monday as those killed in a hot air balloon crash in the Arizona desert over the weekend.
Eloy Police Department Chief Byron Gwaltney said eight skydivers survived the tragedy in "an empty field in a desert area" of Eloy, a city in Pinal County about 65 miles southeast of Phoenix and 55 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona. Shortly after the skydivers completed a jump from the balloon, Gwaltney said, “something catastrophic occurred with the balloon, causing it to crash to the ground."
At a news conference, Eloy Mayor Micah Powell reported the balloon had been carrying 13 adults − its operator, four passengers and the eight skydivers. Three passengers and the pilot died, while another passenger was critically injured.
The impact, Powell said, took place in "the world's largest drop zone" for skydivers.
Eloy police identified the pilot of the hot air balloon as Cornelius Van Der Walt, 37, a resident of Eloy who was originally from South Africa. The three passengers who died were identified as Chayton Wiescholek, 28, of Union City, Michigan; Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, of Andrews, Indiana; and Atahan Kiliccote, 24, of Cupertino, California.
The woman who was critically injured was identified by police as a 23-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident," the Eloy Police Department said in a statement.
What was the cause of the hot air balloon crash?
The cause of the crash was not immediately known Monday.
"But eyewitnesses stated that in the last several seconds of the impact that the material of the hot air balloon was just straight up and down and the impact was fairly large," Powell said.
Five people were inside the gondola when it crashed, officials said, and one died at the scene. Three passengers were taken to a hospital where they later died, Powell said.
Another passenger was taken to a trauma center and was in critical condition Sunday, Powell said.
104-year-old attempts record:Woman jumps from plane to try to set record for oldest skydiver
NTSB and FAA also investigating the fatal balloon crash
Police said the accident was under investigation by the department as well as the National Transportation and Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
"While we continue our efforts, we ask for your thoughts and support for the families and loved ones affected during this difficult time," police said in a statement Sunday.
The NTSB said investigators had arrived at the scene to document the incident and examine the hot air balloon, adding that the balloon would be moved to a secure facility for further investigation.
Contributing: Abigail Celaya, Arizona Republic
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (68)
Related
- Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ends retirement, plans to return to competition
- Chiefs' Rashee Rice apologizes for role in hit-and-run, takes 'full responsibility'
- The teaching of Hmong and Asian American histories to be required in Wisconsin under a new law
- You Won't Believe How Julie Chrisley Made a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole in Prison
- Padma Lakshmi, John Boyega, Hunter Schafer star in Pirelli's 2025 calendar: See the photos
- Customer points gun on Burger King employee after getting a discounted breakfast, police say
- Christine Quinn Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against Husband Christian Dumontet After His Arrests
- Court filing asks judge to rule that NCAA’s remaining NIL rules violate antitrust law
- In an AP interview, the next Los Angeles DA says he’ll go after low-level nonviolent crimes
- Lawyer for sex abuse victims says warning others about chaplain didn’t violate secrecy order
Ranking
- Louisiana asks court to block part of ruling against Ten Commandments in classrooms
- Should you itemize or take a standard deduction on your tax return? Here’s what to know
- Judge rejects Donald Trump’s request to delay hush-money trial until Supreme Court rules on immunity
- Caitlin Clark and Iowa fans drive demand, prices for Final Four tickets
- Deion Sanders addresses trash thrown at team during Colorado's big win at Texas Tech
- Wolf kills calf in Colorado in first confirmed depredation since animals' reintroduction
- Caitlin Clark of Iowa is the AP Player of the Year in women’s hoops for the 2nd straight season
- Texas asks court to decide if the state’s migrant arrest law went too far
Recommendation
-
Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority
-
Federal officials send resources to Mississippi capital to curb gun violence
-
Bronny James' future at Southern Cal uncertain after departure of head coach Andy Enfield
-
Trump Media sues Truth Social founders Andrew Litinsky, Wes Moss for 'reckless' decisions
-
Mega Millions winning numbers for November 12 drawing: Jackpot rises to $361 million
-
Powell hints Fed still on course to cut rates three times in 2024 despite inflation uptick
-
You Won't Believe How Julie Chrisley Made a Chicken and Stuffing Casserole in Prison
-
Lizelle Gonzalez is suing the Texas prosecutors who charged her criminally after abortion