Three victims of an air tanker crash in Stead on Labor Day were identified by the Washoe County Coroner's Office as Montana residents Zachary Jake Vander-Griend, 25, and Gregory Jess Gonsioroski, 41, and Utah resident Calvin Gene Wahlstrom, 61.
The coroner determined that the cause of death for all three victims was multiple injuries sustained in an accident.
The Medical Examiner's office released the information to the National Transportation Safety Board today after notifying victims' family members. The NTSB is conducting an investigation into the crash.
The crash occurred 6 p.m. Monday after the plane took off to fight a fire in California. It was immediately recalled, but crashed before it could land. The aircraft had dropped a load of retardant on the Burnside fire in Hope Valley earlier that day.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Supervisor Ed Monnig offered his condolences to those related to the three men.
"My heart goes out to the friends and families of those who were aboard the air tanker," said Monnig.
The air tanker was one of 19 heavy aircraft under contract with the U.S. Forest Service.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Monnig said the Forest Service conducts thorough inspections of all aircraft before each wildfire season to ensure each aircraft complies with Forest Service safety standards.
Firefighters continue to move forward with their line around the 216-acre Burnside fire in Hope Valley. With 65 percent of the fire contained, they are on track to complete the line by 6 p.m. Friday.
