Utah CEO identified as victim in fatal Idaho helicopter crash

Authorities say a helicopter hit a powerline before crashing in Idaho, killing one and injuring another.

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Federal authorities are investigating a helicopter crash that occurred at Ririe Reservoir in Bonneville County, Idaho, resulting in one fatality and one injury.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the incident involved a Bell 505 helicopter. Emergency responders, utilizing snowmobiles, arrived at the crash site around 4:40 p.m. and located two occupants inside the aircraft.

One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second occupant was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez identified the deceased as 59-year-old Bradford Brown of Alpine, Utah. Brown, who owned the helicopter, was the CEO of ATL Technology, a Utah-based manufacturing company that partners with leading medical device firms.

Photo: ATL Technology

Sanchez did not confirm whether Brown was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash, citing the ongoing investigation.

According to a preliminary FAA report obtained by USA TODAY, the helicopter struck a powerline before crashing onto the frozen reservoir.

Authorities have not yet determined why the aircraft was in the area. In response to the incident, officials closed off Ririe Reservoir and its surrounding areas due to safety concerns related to downed power lines and unstable ice conditions.