Missing Pilot’s Body Found

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue BoatThe Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Boats as they looked earlier this week for missing pilot Rex Whitlow. [Photo provided by Southern Humboldt County Technical Rescue]

According to Diana Totten of the Southern Humboldt County Technical Rescue Team,

At approximately 2  p.m. the body of the missing pilot from the May 4 plane crash was located in the Eel River in the water…He has been positively identified. …The body has been recovered and the family has been notified and full press release will be coming out later.

The body was located not far from the crash site.

Tracy and Rex Whitlow from a 2011 photo in the North Coast Journal.

Tracy and Rex Whitlow from a 2011 photo in the North Coast Journal. [Used with permission of the NCJ]

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35 Comments
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Johnny Reb
Guest
Johnny Reb
6 years ago

Guess they missed him a few times. Yikes.

Mike
Guest
Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Just wanted to add that he was found by local volunteers who have been searching since the accident. Thank you

Steve
Guest
Steve
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

U reported on a fire I had at my property last summer and you were completely wrong. Please mind your own business or report truth. Who is this lady kun Kemp. Don’t think she’s a local just spouting b.s.

Alicia
Guest
Alicia
6 years ago
Reply to  Steve

Kym Kemp is a highly respected local reporter.

Dan Vineyard
Guest
Dan Vineyard
6 years ago

I went to school with Rex, he was a great guy and well liked by everyone. So sorry for your loss.

Wanda Gustin
Guest
Wanda Gustin
6 years ago

So sorry to see this. I haven’t seen my cousin Rex in many years. I remember him and his brothers as little tykes next door to us in Salmon Creek. I was so sorry to see the pilot was him. My condolences to the Whitlow family.

Jesse whitlow
Guest
Jesse whitlow
6 years ago

R.I P. uncle Rex.

James
Guest
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Jesse whitlow

Rex was a good guy 😔

Joe
Guest
Joe
6 years ago

RIP Rex. Go west, sir.

Just My Opinion
Guest
Just My Opinion
6 years ago

Prayers for the family

Humboldtlifer
Guest
Humboldtlifer
6 years ago

So saddened by the news!
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!

Bob and Patti Harris
Guest
Bob and Patti Harris
6 years ago

So sorry to see this news. Condolences to the family. Rest in Pease Rex.

Gypsy Rose
Guest
Gypsy Rose
6 years ago

Does anyone know what caused the plane to crash?

dawni
Guest
dawni
6 years ago
Reply to  Gypsy Rose

Gypsy Rose – That’s an interesting question. Were it not an Experimental Aircraft I wonder if the NTSB even investigates this type of accident. Had it been a certified fixed wing aircraft they would be looking at the cause usually. Maybe it is obvious from the condition of the ultralight. Or an autopsy could show some thing if they go that route.
So lucky for the family they found him fairly quickly.

Cher Hart
Guest
Cher Hart
6 years ago
Reply to  dawni

I asked Google and the NTSB does not generally investigate ultralight accidents. They do routinely investigate experimental and certified aircraft accidents that involve death or serious injury and property damage. If a person other than the pilot had been injured or if other people had been affected in some manner, they would probably investigate. No license or training is required to fly a true ultralight (less than 254 pounds and slow) but it is recommended. Flying is a great activity but tragedy can happen to the best trained pilot in the most sophisticated aircraft. My sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Whitlow.

Guest
Guest
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Gypsy Rose

Gravity

Joe
Guest
Joe
6 years ago

God rest him

Hey hey
Guest
Hey hey
6 years ago

RIP
May he have passed peacefully and the river carry his spirit onward.

Troy
Guest
Troy
6 years ago

I’m So glad he was found. My prayers to the family.

Cass
Guest
Cass
6 years ago

Rex. My best friend. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. I will never forget the knowledge you’ve taught me. The harley rides on fruitland. The Turkey tail tea. The hours of phone conversations. The mandolin. The hikes. The wisdom. The friendship. I will never forget you. I think about you everyday. I love you Tracy. Stay strong. You guys ARE my family. I will ALWAYS be there for you. I WILL NEVER FORGET. You WERE and ALWAYS will be my best friend. I LOVE YOU!!!! You will always be in my prayers.

Keri
Guest
Keri
6 years ago

So very sad. Condolences to the family. RIP rex

patrick cherry
Guest
patrick cherry
6 years ago

kym did the UL crash in the water then the search and rescue take it out and park it on the beach???i don’t get how he ended up in the water.rex was a good tough country boy and a river shouldn’t have taken him unless he was unconscious.prayers for the family,i haven’t seen him for yrs but i grew up with him and thought he was a good man.

Nick
Guest
Nick
6 years ago
Reply to  patrick cherry

Yes it crashed in the water and was removed that same afternoon.

Randal & Laura
Guest
Randal & Laura
6 years ago

We are so very sorry for your loss , Rex was a amazing man and he will be forever missed. RIP Rex .

DML
Guest
DML
6 years ago

Love and strength to the family…. Sorry for your loss…

AW
Guest
AW
6 years ago

Rest In Peace Rex. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Whitlow family and all those who knew and loved Rex.

TBaer
Guest
6 years ago

Rex was a good man and a great friend. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Whitlow family!

Gma flowers
Guest
Gma flowers
6 years ago

There is grace in closure..As a family we must remember this…the love we have for each other must last us..for our eternity. Ask ourselves…is the love we live enough to last the ones we leave behind.Rex leaves behind a legacy of love .His memory lives in many.
..

the mallos
Guest
the mallos
6 years ago

so glad he was fially found we ll miss you rex rip tracy if you need anything we re right here

J
Guest
J
6 years ago

Condolences to his wife, family and friends. I’ve only seen him around town but he was a smiley, nice guy!

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago

My heart felt Condolences to the Whitlow family may God bless you all🕊

shak
Guest
shak
6 years ago

Rest in peace Rex. My condolences to his loved ones.

Michelle Steele
Guest
Michelle Steele
6 years ago

I am so sorry for the witlow family’s loss, Prayers to you all. I have been following this from the very beginning and was praying they found him in good shape and alive. This is just devastating news. R.I.P. Rex may you fly with the Angel’s you sounded like you were a very good man. I have a husband that is just like you.. are you sure your not twins Lol. Sorry everyone for the small humor remark..