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Salida Church Mourns Loss Of Reverend In Plane Crash

DENVER (CBS4) - Investigators are working to learn what caused a small plane to crash in Colorado, killing a reverend.

The plane was headed to Salida when it went down shortly after take-off Thursday in Alamosa. Rev. Steve Dreher of Salida was the only person on board and died in the crash.

Dreher left the First Lutheran Church in Salida a few years ago to concentrate on missionary work. He was well liked and known for his unique sermons involving his unicycle and puppets.

"We have to believe that this was Steve's time to come home," congregation president Robert Thorgesen said. "Most of the people of our organization that I've spoken with are stunned; just it's something you don't expect."

Plane Crash Map
(credit: CBS)

Dreher was an experienced pilot and logged a number of hours flying in treacherous weather.

The church will hold normal Sunday services.

Dreher left behind a wife and a daughter.

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