Yellowstone National Park — Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a recent small plane crash near Yellowstone National Park. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) confirmed that 60-year-old Robert Conover and 23-year-old Madison Conover, both of Tennessee, along with 55-year-old Kurt Enoch Robey of Utah, were aboard the single-engine aircraft when it went down shortly after takeoff.
The plane, a Piper PA-28, departed from Montana’s West Yellowstone Airport just before midnight on Thursday. When the aircraft failed to reach its intended destination, a search and rescue operation was launched. Search teams were ultimately guided to the crash site by a GPS signal emitted from a smartwatch worn by one of the passengers—an innovative lead that proved crucial in narrowing the search area in the rugged, remote terrain.
First responders reached the scene and confirmed that there were no survivors.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the crash. While the exact cause remains unknown, investigators will examine several key factors, including the aircraft’s mechanical condition, the pilot’s credentials and experience, the weather conditions at the time of the flight, and any available flight or maintenance records.
No distress calls or emergency radio transmissions were reported before the crash, leaving many questions unanswered about what occurred in the aircraft’s final moments. Investigators are expected to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, review any potential witness statements, and analyze communications and radar data. A final report from the NTSB could take several months.
The deaths of Robert and Madison Conover, along with Kurt Robey, have left a profound void in their communities. Loved ones remember them as kind, adventurous, and deeply loved. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to the grieving families and thanked all those involved in the recovery effort.
This heartbreaking incident also underscores the risks inherent in general aviation—particularly during night flights and in remote, mountainous regions like those surrounding Yellowstone National Park.
Authorities say more details may be released as the investigation develops. In the meantime, families and communities mourn the sudden and devastating loss of three cherished lives.
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