Family photo of Brett Dean Smith.
NATRONA COUNTY, Wyoming — Law enforcement has identified a 49-year-old Hyrum man who was killed in a Wyoming plane crash this week.
Brett Dean Smith died Tuesday afternoon when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed in a rural area southwest of Casper.
According to the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, a private company contacted officials Tuesday around 4:45 p.m., after losing communication with a missing aircraft piloted by Smith. A search and rescue operation was organized after receiving coordinates for the plane’s last known location, near Alcova Reservoir.
Deputies reported that about three hours later, a search plane located the missing aircraft near the reservoir.
Due to nightfall, a Wyoming Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter was dispatched to the scene to continue the search. The helicopter dropped two crew members who crossed heavily wooded terrain and arrived at the crashed scene where they discovered Smith’s body.
Smith’s wife, Kathi Lyn Smith posted on social media that Brett died doing what he loved. She said he loved flying and loved life.
Deputies said the investigation will be turned over to officials with the National Transportation Safety Board, to determine the cause of the crash.
The sheriff’s office said they were deeply saddened for the family and loved ones of the victim, and extended their heartfelt condolences to them during this difficult time.
Smith leaves behind his wife and four children. Funeral services are still being arranged.
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