Black Canyon, Idaho — The quiet stretch of canyon east of Emmett turned tragic on Tuesday when a small plane went down, killing Meridian resident Dallin Laufenberg and another man aboard. The aircraft crashed into the icy Payette River after striking a power line, ending a routine flight in sudden disaster.
According to the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, the plane was flying through the Black Canyon area when it hit a power line spanning the river corridor. The impact sent the aircraft spiraling down and into the freezing water below. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but there were no survivors.
The crash caused more than heartbreak. The damaged power line triggered a widespread outage across eastern Gem County, leaving homes and businesses without electricity for hours. Utility crews worked alongside first responders as the area was secured and power was slowly restored.
Dallin Laufenberg’s death has shaken the Meridian and Gem County communities. Friends and family describe him as deeply connected to the people around him, someone whose presence mattered and was felt. News of his passing spread quickly, and tributes followed just as fast.
The Payette River, already swollen and cold this time of year, made recovery efforts difficult. Investigators faced harsh conditions as they examined the wreckage and mapped out the final moments of the flight. The river’s ice only added to the danger and complexity of the scene.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Federal aviation officials are working with local law enforcement to determine how and why the aircraft struck the power line. Weather, visibility, and flight path are all being reviewed as part of the process.
For many in the area, the loss feels personal. Black Canyon is a familiar place, often passed without a second thought. This week, it became a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how fragile even ordinary moments can be.
As the community mourns, thoughts remain with the family and friends of Dallin Laufenberg. His life is being remembered not for the way it ended, but for the relationships he built and the people who loved him. Across the region, his absence is deeply felt.
