50-Year-Old Kelly Melvin Located Near Rock Springs, Wyoming

Search teams found the wreckage of a small plane crash near Rock Springs on January 15. 50-year-old Kelly Melvin, who had been reported missing a day prior, was killed in the accident.

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office received a missing person report at around 1:22 pm on January 14 for a 50-year-old Green River man. The file stated that he took off from Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) in his Piper Comanche, but never arrived at his destination in California.

The conditions at the time of the report, including low clouds and remote terrain, caused the Sheriff’s Office to request further assistance. Just after 9:00 pm on the 14th, the Utah Air National Guard sent out a nighttime-capable Apache helicopter to narrow down the search area. The helicopter was able to identify a “ground disturbance” at Little Mountain, located southwest of Rock Springs.

The Wyoming Civil Air Patrol deployed a fixed-wing aircraft to confirm the region early the next morning. It was followed close behind by the state’s Army National Guard, using a Huey helicopter equipped with emergency medical and hoist equipment.

The teams’ combined efforts allowed them to discover the crash wreckage at around 2:00 pm. After confirming the site, the sheriff’s office secured the area and notified state and federal authorities. An investigation is now active and the public is being asked to avoid the scene.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Melvin’s family and friends during this tragedy, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and dedication of everyone involved in this effort,” expressed Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle.

FMI: www.sweetwatercountywy.gov