California couple died in weekend plane crash

SALINA, Sevier County — Two people killed in a weekend plane crash in Utah have been identified as a California couple.

Peter and Ramona Branagh, of Lafayette, Calif., died when the single-engine Cirrus SR22 plane went down in Saleratus Canyon, about 30 miles southeast of Salina, according to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office. The plane was en route from northern California to Aspen, Colo., and was reported as overdue on July 14.

It was then that family members started calling authorities for signs of the plane, hoping the couple had made an emergency landing somewhere. Rescuers began their search for the aircraft Sunday while family members hired a private helicopter to aid in the search. That helicopter spotted debris from the couple's airplane.

Sevier County officials recovered the victims' remains Tuesday and were assisted in their efforts by the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration and the aircraft manufacturer. The Utah Medical Examiner's Office was attempting to confirm their identities.

According to the Danville Patch, Peter Branagh was a real estate developer and director of the California Bank of Commerce. Ramona Branagh owned an interior design business in Danville, Pacific Bay Interiors.

Radar indicated the last place the aircraft was tracked was near the borders of Sevier, Emery and Sanpete counties. The crash is currently under investigation.

— Emiley Morgan

Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam