Two people were killed after a helicopter-style aircraft crashed into a western Colorado River near Loma. 

According to Mesa county deputy coroner, Victor Yahn, two people died in the crash that happened Saturday at around 6pm MDT, although the release of more information is still pending. 

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The victims were identified as Mark Shook, 61, of Peyton, Colorado, and Rebecca Jane Molle, 50, of Grand Junction, Colorado.

No one else was onboard the aircraft and the victims' destination is still unknown as of press time. 

The coroner's office released a statement with the causes of death and stated that Shook died of multiple injuries from the crash while Molle drowned after. Both deaths were ruled as accidental.

The helicopter was said to have taken off from the Grand Junction Airport, which is about 20 miles southeast of the crash site.

According to FAA Official, Allen Kenitzer, the aircraft was a Xenon Gyroplane. Gyroplanes are helicopter-like aircrafts but they are powered solely by propellers. It is still unknown whether or not the crash was caused by a propeller malfunction.

It was also announced that the FAA and National Transportation Board are investigating the crash.

The aircraft was said to have begun to fishtail and sparks appeared to have been flying off it before it crashed nose down into the river, according to witness Ron Jenkins who was nearby fishing on the bank of the Colorado River with a friend.

Jenkins said that he and his friend then hurried to their boat, went downriver to the gyroplane, and then waded to it to try and save the passengers. They were able to remove one victim by cutting off a seat belt.

No other injuries or deaths were reported but power was cut off in some areas on Saturday and was restored Sunday, according to Grand Valley Power.

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