Crime & Safety
Corona Man ID'd in Deadly Hang Gliding Accident
The man crashed head-on into a tree in Crestline, fire officials said.
Corona, CA— Authorities Thursday released the name of a 64-year-old Corona man killed in a hang gliding crash at a launch site above Crestline.
Larry Heidler struck a tree head-on about 1:40 p.m. Wednesday and was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
SEE ALSO: Hang Glider Dies in Tree Crash in San Bernardino National Forest: Fire Department
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Heidler was an experienced glider pilot, according to the Crestline Soaring Society, of which he was a member.
The group posted a statement on its website expressing sorrow over the fatal mishap, characterizing it as a "seemingly random, yet preventable tragedy."
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"Larry launched ... in typical windy summer conditions, got turned hard right and impacted a tree in the middle of the setup area," according to the post.
According to the soaring society, the location, just off state Route 138 and less than 10 miles north of Cal State San Bernardino, is "one of the premier flying sites the world has to offer."
— By City News Service.
