Crash kills rescuer trying to aid snowmobiler

[February 16, 2012]  JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) -- A helicopter crash in remote northwest Wyoming has killed one of the three people aboard who were trying to help a snowmobiler, and sheriff's officials say the snowmobiler also has died.

The snowmobiler's party had called for help Wednesday. Teton County sheriff's officials say the helicopter had reached them but was leaving to get more help when it crashed on Togwotee (TOH-gut-ee) Pass. They say 63-year-old rescuer Ray Shriver was killed, and the pilot and another rescuer were taken to a hospital.

Sheriff's officials say deputies reached the snowmobilers after tending to the helicopter victims, but 53-year-old Steven Anderson of Morris, Minn., also has died. Details of what led his party to call for help weren't immediately available.

Sheriff's officials say the rear rotor on the helicopter may have failed.

[Associated Press]

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