Experienced aerobatic airman perishes after Palisades Reservoir crash

JACKSON (WNE) — In his last hour above Palisades Reservoir, pilot Edan Shalev was using his airplane to draw hearts in the sky.

The California-based pilot, who had 35 years of aerobatic flight experience, died Thursday after his plane nose dived into Palisades Reservoir just inside the Idaho border.

Shalev, 53, was pronounced dead at Star Valley Hospital on the evening of the Fourth of July after private boaters raced to the crash site, recovered him and began lifesaving measures until they could get him to first responders on shore. Star Valley EMS continued to work on Shalev and transported him to Star Valley Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

On the busy holiday, many onlookers saw Shalev performing aerobatics for nearly an hour. He soared alone and with another airplane and used exhaust from his plane to fashion hearts in the air.

In a social media post, Clipper Aviation of Los Angeles described Shalev as a flight instructor and avid aerobatic competitor, having performed for the last 35 years.

“He participated in many aerobatic competitions and then went on to represent Israel in the World Aerobatic Championships at the unlimited level,” Clipper Aviation wrote in a 2022 Instagram post. “Edan then became a Certified Flight Instructor strictly to teach aerobatics … with students ranging from beginners, airline pilots, air force, navy test pilots to Hollywood actors.”

Shalev was the only occupant of the plane, according to authorities. Lincoln County Coroner Dain Schwab did not have a cause of death as of press time Friday.

The crash remains under investigation.

This story was published on July 6, 2024.