Current:Home > Back4 people killed in Arizona hot air balloon crash identified; NTSB investigating incident-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
4 people killed in Arizona hot air balloon crash identified; NTSB investigating incident
View Date:2024-12-23 23:38:06
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! (82)
Related
- Mike Tyson is expected to honor late daughter during Jake Paul fight. Here's how.
- Why car prices are still so high — and why they are unlikely to fall anytime soon
- Here's how Barbie's Malibu Dreamhouse would need to be redesigned to survive as California gets even warmer
- From searing heat's climbing death toll to storms' raging floodwaters, extreme summer weather not letting up
- Kansas basketball vs Michigan State live score updates, highlights, how to watch Champions Classic
- We grade Fed Chair Jerome Powell
- Stanford University president to resign following research controversy
- If You Want a Low-Maintenance Skincare Routine, Try This 1-Minute Facial While It’s 59% Off
- Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
- Get a Next-Level Clean and Save 58% On This Water Flosser With 4,200+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
Ranking
- Homes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce burglarized, per reports
- Want to Buy a Climate-Friendly Refrigerator? Leading Manufacturers Are Finally Providing the Information You Need
- Biden’s Bet on Electric Vehicles Is Drawing Opposition from Republicans Who Fear Liberal Overreach
- Inside Clean Energy: Well That Was Fast: Volkswagen Quickly Catching Up to Tesla
- Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump in his second term
- Over 60,000 Amazon Shoppers Love This Easy-Breezy Summer Dress That's on Sale for $25
- Climate activists target nation's big banks, urging divestment from fossil fuels
- Texas Politicians Aim to Penalize Wind and Solar in Response to Outages. Are Renewables Now Strong Enough to Defend Themselves?
Recommendation
-
Barbora Krejcikova calls out 'unprofessional' remarks about her appearance
-
Bills RB Nyheim Hines will miss the season after being hit by a jet ski, AP source says
-
Global Methane Pledge Offers Hope on Climate in Lead Up to Glasgow
-
The U.S. is threatening to ban TikTok? Good luck
-
How Ben Affleck Really Feels About His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Gigli Today
-
RHOC's Emily Simpson Slams Accusation She Uses Ozempic for Weight Loss
-
Ford recalls 1.5 million vehicles over problems with brake hoses and windshield wipers
-
Inside Clean Energy: Well That Was Fast: Volkswagen Quickly Catching Up to Tesla