Update: A GoFundMe account has been established for both victims. To see latest story, click here.
POWDER MOUNTAIN, Eden, Utah, May 30, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — The Weber County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of two young men killed in a plane crash on Saturday, one of whom died at the scene and one who died hours later at the University of Utah burn unit.
“The two victims who passed away in the plane crash have been identified as 26-year-old Devin Criddle of Draper and 21-year-old Braeden Raleigh of Salt Lake City,” the WCSO statement says.
The crash was reported at 10:02 a.m. Saturday, Weber Fire District Deputy Chief David Reed told Gephardt Daily.
Fire crews made their way to the remote scene, then through gates, then down to the site, Reed said.
“It takes a minute to get up there,” he said. “We found two adult males of unknown age, one deceased, and one was severely burned but was alive. We tried to stabilize him.”
Life Flight responded to the scene and hoisted the critically injured man to a landing area, where an Air Life helicopter picked him up and transported him to the University of Utah burn center, Reed said.
“He had second- and third-degree burns,” Reed said.
At about 10 p.m. Saturday, the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook that the second man had passed away, adding, “We send our thoughts to everyone effected by this tragic accident”.
Lt. Cortney Ryan, Weber County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed the plane had left Ogden’s Hinckley Airport shortly before the crash. He said it was a two-seater plane, “possibly a trainer.”
Reed said the plane was found on fire, but the cold and wetness of the crash site worked in firefighters’ favor, and the flames were quickly extinguished.
Braeden Raleigh remembered
Raleigh’s family on Sunday posted a GoFundMe account as a funeral fundraiser and a tribute to the 21-year-old man.
The text appears in full, below:
“Tragically on May 29, 2021, Braedan Raleigh lost his life in an airplane accident. He was life flighted to the nearest burn center in attempt to save his life. He was covered in 3rd degree burns over 95% of his body. In route he lost his pulse and CPR was done for 20 mins before his heart started beating again. He was sedated and intubated, then sent to the burn ICU.
“Due to the severity of his burns and unstable vitals he was not able to live for more than a few hours once in the ICU. He was surrounded by his loved ones and we’re fortunate enough to have been able to say our goodbyes.
“Braedan was only 21 years old. He was an amazing son, brother, grandson, and uncle. He had a lifetime still to live. He was so full of life. He was kind, loving, funny, selfless, motivated and was just kick starting his career off as a young pilot while going to school full time to get his Bachelors.
“No one was prepared for his life to be taken away so early and unexpectedly. We want to raise funds to help pay for expenses. We are going to miss you Brae. Fly high buddy.”
Devin Criddle
A classmate who graduated with Criddle in the Alta High School in 2013 called him a good friend.
“He was an amazing person, one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. Always positive, always laughing…. I love you Devin and I know you are at peace.”
