Victims identified after Steamboat Springs plane crash

SALT LAKE CITY – The names of the pilot and passenger killed while heading to Ogden have been released by authorities in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where their plane crashed.

Dan Dunn, 67, and Jessica Pauline Melton, 42, were identified following the crash.

According to Steamboat Springs police, the occupants were from the Colorado Front Range, a mountain range stretching from Casper, Wyoming, to Pueblo, Colorado.

The plane, a twin-engine Cessna 421, was en route from Vance Brand Field in Longmont, Colorado to Ogden-Hinckley Airport in Ogden.

Shortly after takeoff, the plane was diverted to Steamboat Springs Airport, where it crashed around 4:25 p.m.

The plane's flight history, dating back to March 30, indicates the plane primarily flew over the Longmont area.

Two homes were destroyed in the crash, but all residents of the mobile home park were accounted for and no serious injuries were reported.

In a press release, Steamboat Springs Police Commander Rich Brown said, “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Dan and Jessica. This could have been a much larger event and I want to thank all of the first responders, crisis support, interpretation services and emergency personnel who responded to the West Acres neighborhood.