PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | Meeker resident Thomas Prenzlow, 59, died last week when his helicopter, a privately owned MD500, crashed northeast of Meeker sometime on Wednesday, June 25.
According to a press release, the Rio Blanco County Communication Center received notification on Wednesday, June 25, at approximately 8 p.m. that a helicopter that took off from the Meeker Airport that morning had not returned as expected.
Upon receiving the report, Rio Blanco County initiated a cellphone trace and activated its Search and Rescue Coordinator. Aerial search efforts were conducted in coordination with Classic Air Medical, focusing on the areas identified through preliminary tracking and cell signal data. Despite extensive search efforts, no results were found before nightfall, and the search was suspended for safety reasons.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, the search resumed with the support of Coulter Aviation, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Classic Air Medical, and family members who began hiking in areas believed to be along the helicopter’s potential path.
Hikers reported discovering “something worth looking at” northeast of Meeker. Coulter Aviation subsequently flew over the area and, at approximately 6:50 a.m., located a crashed helicopter. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and Meeker Fire & Rescue were promptly dispatched and arrived on scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified and will be responding to assume control of the investigation and assess the scene in accordance with federal procedures.
“Rio Blanco County wishes to extend its sincere thanks to all agencies, organizations, and individuals who assisted in the search efforts. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family during this difficult time.”
No further information is available at this time as this is an ongoing investigation. This report will be updated when additional details are made available.
