The Eloy Police Department has identified the victims of a hot air balloon crash that occurred over the weekend in Arizona. The balloon, carrying 13 individuals including the pilot, four passengers, and eight skydivers, crashed into an empty field in a desert area about 65 miles southeast of Phoenix. Thankfully, all the skydivers were able to safely exit the balloon before the incident occurred.
During a press conference, Eloy Mayor Micah Powell revealed that three passengers and the pilot were among those who tragically lost their lives in the crash. The impact of the crash took place in what is known as “the world’s largest drop zone” for skydivers, according to Powell. The pilot, Cornelius Van Der Walt, 37, was a resident of Eloy originally from South Africa. The three passengers who died were identified as Chayton Wiescholek, 28, from Union City, Michigan; Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, from Andrews, Indiana; and Atahan Kiliccote, 24, from Cupertino, California. One passenger, Valerie Stutterheima, 23, from Scottsdale, Arizona, was critically injured in the incident.
The Eloy Police Department is currently collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the investigation of this tragic incident. Eyewitnesses reported that the hot air balloon appeared to be in a vertical position just moments before impact.
The NTSB is actively investigating the cause of the crash and has already arrived at the crash site to document and examine the wreckage. The balloon will be moved to a secure facility for further investigation.
The community and authorities extend their deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives in this tragic incident. They also express their thoughts and prayers for Valerie Stutterheima’s recovery.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
