2 die in helicopter crash in Southeast Washington

CLARKSTON, Wash. (AP) — Two people have died in a helicopter crash in Asotin County.

The crash site was discovered Wednesday afternoon by crews battling a wildfire in Ayers Gulch south of Asotin.

The Lewiston Tribune reports that officials say the crash was not related to firefighting activities.

Asotin County Sheriff John Hilderbrand confirms that two people died in the crash, but their names have not been released. Initial reports were that one person had died.

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to the site.

Officials received a report of an overdue helicopter earlier in the day Wednesday. The helicopter was found late in the afternoon in the remote gulch.

The wildfire has been contained.