Sat Jan 24 08:10:00 UTC 2026: # Utah Helicopter Crash Survivors Share Harrowing Tale

The Story: A helicopter carrying four people, including a father and daughter, crashed in Wasatch County, Utah on Sunday, January 18. The Bell 206L plummeted nearly 500 feet after the pilot lost control. Miraculously, all four occupants survived, but one young woman sustained critical head injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. The family has expressed immense gratitude for their survival and credited the pilot’s actions with preventing fatalities.

Key Points:

  • The helicopter crash occurred around 3:10 p.m. local time near State Road 35.
  • A Bell 206L helicopter carrying four people was involved.
  • One occupant sustained critical head injuries and was transported to a hospital via AirMed.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation; a preliminary report is expected next month, with a final report in one to two years.
  • The father, Kory Toone, recorded the beginning of the flight, capturing the moment the helicopter began to spin out of control.
  • Nearby snowmobilers, including a nurse, assisted the passengers before first responders arrived.
  • Baylee Demars, the injured woman’s sister, launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Despite the severity of the crash, all four occupants survived, highlighting the importance of safety measures and potentially skilled piloting.
  • The rapid response of emergency services and nearby witnesses was crucial in providing immediate assistance.
  • The NTSB investigation will be essential to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
  • The family’s focus on gratitude and the importance of loved ones in the face of near-death experience provides a compelling human interest angle.
  • The GoFundMe campaign underscores the financial burden that can result from serious accidents, even with survival.

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