UPDATE: Plane Crash Near Kneeland Airport | Deceased Identified

The Humboldt County Coroner's Office has confirmed the identities of two deceased individuals following the fatal plane crash that took place near the Kneeland Airport around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23.

The Cessna's pilot has been identified as that of 49-year-old Gabriel Joshua Kulp of Grass Valley, Calif. The passenger, a helicopter mechanic, has been identified as 60-year-old Thomias Edward Smith of Carmichael, Calif. At this time, only these two bodies have been recovered from the wreckage.

Next of kin has been notified. An autopsy will be completed in the coming days to confirm cause of death. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB can be contacted at (202) 314-6000.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office extends our deepest condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic accident.

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.