Single-Engine Aircraft Went Down on Juniper Road, Caught Fire
June 23, 2025 | Montrose, CO
Authorities have released the identities of two Florida men who were tragically killed in a plane crash last month in Montrose County.
According to the Montrose County Coroner's Office, 61-year-old Lawrence Skinner and 53-year-old Alejandro Antunez, both of Fort Myers, Florida, were the occupants of a single-engine aircraft that crashed on June 23, shortly after taking off from Montrose Regional Airport.
Two men were killed June 23 in Montrose when a single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff, striking a hill on Juniper Road and catching fire.
Preliminary reports indicate the plane was headed north but failed to gain sufficient altitude and speed after takeoff. The aircraft struck a small hill in the 63000 block of Juniper Road—approximately 0.7 miles from the runway—and caught fire upon impact.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
FATAL PLANE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
The Coroner's Office of Medical Investigations, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is investigating the cause of the crash. Possible contributing factors in small aircraft accidents can include pilot error, mechanical failure, or defects in aircraft design and manufacturing.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a seasoned aviation attorney, emphasized the importance of independent legal investigations in such cases.
“An attorney can advocate for a grieving family by hiring expert witnesses, locating eyewitnesses to the crash, and working alongside federal agencies like the NTSB and FAA,” said Bond. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
According to the NTSB, 94% of all fatal aviation accidents involve small aircraft. These planes lack the advanced safety systems and technology found in commercial jets. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Nall Report recorded 939 small aircraft accidents and 268 related fatalities in 2021 alone.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS
The families of Lawrence Skinner and Alejandro Antunez may be entitled to wrongful death claims. These claims can help recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering resulting from a catastrophic loss.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Candice Bond, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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