NTSB leaves Reno; public memorial planned for Sunday
By Reno Gazette-Journal
Update 7:50pm: While the death toll from Friday’s air races crash rose to 10, federal investigators left the region Monday to begin the process of figuring out what caused a vintage World War II plane to slam into the tarmac near a group of VIP box seats during the National Championship Air Races.
The crash left dozens more injured with 17 people still being treated in area hospitals. Two people are still missing.
What’s left of pilot Jimmy Leeward’s P-51 Mustang will be hauled to an off site facility for analysis while photo and video evidence from spectators was sent to Washington.
Gov. Brian Sandoval and local officials met with a representative from the NTSB Monday morning for a briefing. Afterwards, the governor said it’s important to wait for the NTSB to conduct its investigation.
“The Reno community has risen up in the face of extreme challenges, a fact highlighted today when the NTSB described the response from first responders as ‘tremendous,’ ” Sandoval said in a statement. “I could not be more proud of the outstanding response from the Nevada family.”
The date has been changed for a public memorial service for victims, families and others affected by the deadly crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno.
The service is now planned for 6pm Sunday in the Idlewild Park arboretum, between the pond on Idlewild Drive at the east end of the park and the Truckee River.
The city said in a statement that it plans to dedicate a tree in the arboretum of Idlewild Park to all the victims.
Members of the local clergy will conduct the memorial service.