UPDATE: As of 12 p.m. on Friday, July 5, BCSO has shared that the pilot succumbed to his injuries at Star Valley Hospital. According to reporting from the Jackson Hole News&Guide, the pilot was identified as Edan Shalev, 53, from California. The incident remains under investigation. The public is asked to stay clear of the crash site and wreckage.
SWAN VALLEY, Idaho — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating a small plane crash in the Palisades Reservoir, Sgt. Bryan Lovell has confirmed to Buckrail.
BCSO received the call at 5:23 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Witnesses reported that two planes had been performing aerial tricks over the water when one plane crashed into the reservoir. Surrounding boaters approached the crash site to help. They retrieved the pilot from the water and provided first aid while emergency responders were en route. Ambulance personnel and BCSO deputies arrived at a nearby shore and took over rescue efforts.
Sgt. Lovell confirmed that the pilot was the only occupant of the plane. No further information is available regarding the pilot’s condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Emergency responders also included personnel from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine Quick Response Unit, Idaho Falls Ambulance and Idaho State Police.
This is a developing story. Buckrail will provide updates as more information becomes available.
