Hunters Heard Crash While Out in Wyoming. Then They Found a Plane Surrounded by Flames – and an Injured Pilot

Steve Atencio and J.R. Larsen were hunting sheep when they heard the crash on Sept. 1

Two men on a hunting trip helped save a man's life when they came across the aftermath of a plane crash in Wyoming over the weekend.

The crash occurred on Sunday, Sept. 1 at approximately 11:00 a.m. near Franc’s Peak in Meeteetse, Wyo., according to a statement from the Park County Sherrif's Office (PCSO).

A passenger on the plane, identified as 78-year-old Mary Lou Sanderson of Lake Havasu, Ariz., died from injuries sustained during the crash, authorities said. A pilot, who has not been identified, was found alive, but injured, and was taken a hospital in Billings, Mont.

Related: Pilot and Passenger Survive After Their Plane Crashes on Busy Road and a Photo Captured Their Stunned Reaction

Steve Atencio and J.R. Larsen told Cowboy State Daily that they were hunting big horn sheep when a series of delays put them in the right place to hear the crash and then help.

After searching for the source of the noise for about five minutes, they reached the highest point of a hill and saw black smoke rising from the trees, per the outlet. Both men had lost cell phone service, but Atencio put out an SOS using his Garmin inReach device and later texted his wife to call the PCSO.

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When they reached the site of the crash and began calling to see if anybody was alive, Larson said the pilot said, "'I think my back's broke.' "

The men told the news site the area was "completely engulfed in flames" and after searching for other survivors, they saw the flames headed toward the pilot and knew they had to get him out of the area — and they did.

“I feel like we were supposed to be there – though it’s unfortunate, what happened," Atencio told Cowboy News Daily of the rescue efforts.

Related: 7-Year-Old Who Disappeared While Camping with Grandparents Found Safe After Fisherman Heard Her Cries for Help

Authorities said they notified the FAA of the crash and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating it.

Parks County Coroner Cody Gortmaker had no additional details for PEOPLE when reached for comment. PEOPLE also reached out to PCSO for any additional details.

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