PREVIOUSLY: ‘Multiple Fatalities’ Likely in Dinsmore Plane Crash, Says Humboldt Sheriff’s Office

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has recovered the remains of four individuals from the site of a small airplane crash Thursday, July 15, 2021, near Dinsmore.

The decedents have been identified as:

• Henry Punt, age 69, of Los Angeles County;
• Steve Sanz, age 63, of Orange County;
• Jacquie Ann Figg, age 56, of San Bernadino County;
• Kenneth John Malinowski, age 62, of Sacramento County.

No additional occupants are believed to be outstanding at this time. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic accident.

During their initial response and investigation, Sheriff’s deputies learned of many heroic acts taken by witnesses and nearby community members in an attempt to provide assistance to the victims and prevent the progression of the associated fire. These actions of great bravery have not gone unnoticed and likely saved many additional lives and property by averting a potential wildfire. The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the partnership of local organizations and our community, who continue to answer the call to serve their fellow community members in the greatest time of need.

Further investigation of this incident will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. For additional information and media inquiries regarding this investigation, please contact the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.