Helicopter crashes in Colorado River

The Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction and KUSA report that authorities say at least two people were aboard a helicopter that crashed about 6:10 p.m. Saturday into the Colorado River near Loma.

KUSA reports that the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances near Highway 6, exit 15. Allen Kenitzer with the Federal Aviation Administration told KUSA the aircraft is as a Xenon Gyroplane.

Lisa McCammon, public information officer for the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, tells the Denver Post that the helicopter took off from Walker Field at the Grand Junction Airport. She says sheriff’s officials believe there are at least two people on board, but they have not been able to confirm that report.

First-responders told the Daily Sentinel that two fishermen witnessed the crash, rushed to the helicopter and pulled at least one victim from inside.