Tragedy in the Bighorn Mountains
A small plane crashed in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming late Monday afternoon. A 13-year-old girl died. Three of her relatives were injured. The crash happened near Big Mountain, an 8,200-foot peak, about 15 miles west of Sheridan.
Rescue efforts began after a medical helicopter crew spotted the wreckage in Bighorn National Forest. Authorities confirmed the discovery Tuesday. A command post was set up along U.S. Highway 14.
Rescue teams reached the site quickly. They found the girl dead and the three survivors in serious condition.
Family Identified
The victims were identified as the Palmer family from Boise, Idaho. Earl Palmer, 54, was the pilot. His wife, Cindy Palmer, 53, and their son Aeron, 12, were also on board. Their daughter, Amelia Palmer, 13, died at the scene.
Aeron suffered only minor injuries. Both parents were flown to Billings, Montana, in critical condition. Amelia’s body was transported by helicopter to the command post and later released to the Sheridan County Coroner.
A GoFundMe created for the family had raised more than $25,000 by Wednesday morning.
Previous Crashes Raise Questions
Court records reveal a troubling history. Earl Palmer had crashed two aircraft before this latest tragedy.
In 2012, he was involved in a helicopter incident while flying for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Documents described it as a “potential loss of life” event.
In 2016, Palmer was involved in another crash, this time in a fixed-wing aircraft. That accident led the Interior Department to revoke his pilot authorization.
Palmer resigned but later sued the department after his request for reinstatement was denied. The case is still ongoing.
Aircraft Details
The crashed plane was a 1965 Piper PA-28-180, a four-seat, single-engine aircraft. FAA records show the plane was owned by Travis Peden of Sheridan. Peden, according to LinkedIn, once worked for Bighorn Airways.
Court filings also confirm that Palmer himself had worked as a pilot for Bighorn Airways.
The National Transportation Safety Board has identified the aircraft and confirmed investigators are en route to the crash site. The cause remains under investigation.
Rescue and Response
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office praised the emergency response. Sheriff Levi Dominguez issued a statement Tuesday.
“The coordinated effort between rescuers, EMS, medical teams, and aircraft personnel was exceptional,” he said. “This is still a very fluid scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family.”
Two survivors were flown to Billings hospitals. Another survivor was taken to Sheridan for treatment.
Local residents expressed shock at the tragedy. Many gathered online to share condolences and support for the Palmer family.
Community in Mourning
The death of Amelia Palmer has struck a chord in both Sheridan and Boise. The teen was described by family friends as bright and full of life.
Community members in Boise organized vigils and fundraisers to help with medical and funeral costs. Neighbors said the Palmers were well known and active in their community.
The GoFundMe organizer wrote, “The family needs love, prayers, and support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”
Ongoing Investigation
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. Federal investigators will examine the wreckage and review Palmer’s flight history. Weather and mechanical issues are also being considered.
Authorities have not yet said where the Palmer family’s flight began or where they were headed.
Sheridan County officials said recovery crews will remain in the area as long as needed. The rugged mountain terrain has made the operation difficult.
A Pattern of Risk
The two earlier crashes linked to Palmer raise serious concerns. Federal documents noted “serious judgment errors” in both previous incidents.
The 2012 crash was never fully detailed, but reports indicated it could have ended in multiple deaths. The 2016 crash led directly to Palmer’s DOI pilot ban.
Despite that ban, Palmer continued flying privately. This week’s tragedy has renewed debate about aviation oversight and pilot accountability.
Looking Ahead
The Bighorn crash highlights the risks of small aircraft travel in remote regions. Investigators will spend weeks examining every detail.
For now, one truth is clear. A young life has been lost. A family is shattered. A community is grieving.
Sheriff Dominguez summed up the scene best. “Our focus now is on the victims and their recovery. The investigation will bring answers later.”
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