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Amanda Butterfield Reporting A small town in Montana is in mourning after losing a known member of the community. Dr. John Oakly died when his plane crashed in the Uinta Mountains.
John Oakly was a neurosurgeon and an active member of his church. He was on his way from Billings to Cedar City when his plane disappeared off the radar. John Oakly was reported missing Monday night, but it wasn't until Tuesday afternoon that searchers found his plane.
Ken VanWagoner, Wasatch County Sheriff: "It was on the edge of trees and steep ravine. The plane stayed well intact."
Oakly was still strapped in his seat. He apparently died of injuries sustained in the crash. His wife and kids are here in Utah now with his body.
Meanwhile, back in his hometown, his church has already had a vigil to remember him. Sixty-year old Oakly was an active member of the American Lutheran Church and a neurosurgeon at Yellowstone Neurosurgical Associates, and medical director of the Northern Rockies Regional Pain Center. His work was internationally recognized.
FAA investigators are expected at the scene today to figure out what caused the two engine Cessna to go down, but they already have an idea.
"During time of crash was blizzard conditions, and he was reporting he was having some engine troubles."
Once the investigation is done, the plane will be flown off the mountain. There will be a vigil for Oakly tonight in Billings.
