CALLAWAY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal helicopter crash and have identified the victim.

Just before 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Callaway County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified of a the helicopter crash in the area of County Road 101 and County Road 108 just east of Fulton, according to a media release.

Deputies arrived in the area within five minutes and made contact with numerous citizens whom reported they observed a helicopter in distress with a subsequent crash.

After an extensive search,  the crash site was located at approximately 3:15p.m. in a remote area north of Bartley Lane, east of the Fulton city limits.

The only occupant of the helicopter, 47-year-old Charles Prather, of St. Peters was pronounced dead at the scene.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted for response and federal investigation.