Local News
Fatal Helicopter Crash on Ririe Reservoir Under Investigation
Ririe, Idaho – One person has died, and another was seriously injured following a helicopter crash on the ice at Ririe Reservoir Thursday afternoon, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m., about one mile east of the Ririe Dam.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and utilized snow machines from the Juniper Campground area to reach the crash site.
Upon arrival, crews discovered two occupants inside the wreckage.
One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities also discovered a downed power line near the crash site, prompting safety concerns.
“Deputies have closed Ririe Reservoir and the surrounding area due to downed power lines and unstable ice conditions,” the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. “The circumstances surrounding why the helicopter was in that area are still being confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
Several emergency agencies responded to the scene, including:
- Idaho Falls Fire Department
- Jefferson Central Fire Department
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Idaho Fish and Game
- Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
- Bonneville County Fire Ammon Division
- Bonneville County Coroner’s Office
- Dive Rescue and Drone Teams
The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released, pending family notification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will oversee the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.