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Missing pilot's body, small plane wreckage found near Rock Springs, Wyoming

GREEN RIVER BASIN
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SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyoming — The pilot of a small airplane was found dead Wednesday in southwestern Wyoming, along with the wreckage of the plane.

Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office officials said they were alerted to the disappearance on Tuesday at 1:22 p.m. According to investigators, the pilot had departed Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport near Rock Springs but failed to reach their scheduled destination in California.

The sheriff's office gave an update Wednesday afternoon, saying they found the crash site and the pilot, who was dead. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Kelly Melvin of Green River, Wyoming.

The scene of the crash was located near Little Mountain, southwest of Rock Springs.

“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," Sheriff John Grossnickle said in Wednesday's announcement.

The Utah Air National Guard joined the search Tuesday night at the request of the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office. They deployed an Apache helicopter with nighttime search capabilities.