There are never the right words when lives are taken too soon from us. When this happens unexpectedly it is even more devastating. All we can do as a community, as a state, is show unconditional support for those suffering losses and tragedy.

A Billings, Montana family is going through this right now. On Sunday evening around 7:30 pm, a plane crash was reported near Jellison and Stratton roads. Rob and Pam Stephens, along with their son Riley were the only people occupying the small plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza S35. Emergency personnel found the single-engine airplane on fire in a wooded area. Pam and Rob were pronounced dead on the scene and their son Riley is in critical condition.

Both Rob and Riley are registered pilots with the FAA. They both also have commercial and flight instructor certifications. This is the first fatal plane crash in the Billings area in 2021. The crash is still under investigation.

Us at XL Country are keeping The Stephen's and their family in our thoughts and prayers. We can not express how sorry we are for the family.

In 2020 there were numerous crashes that killed and injured pilots in the Yellowstone County Region. No one can ever know when tragedy will strike, this is a prime example. Make sure to hug your loved ones, reach out to someone you have maybe lost touch with because, at any given moment, they could be gone.

The family is asking for continuous prayers, especially for Riley's recovery.

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