Maryland State police identified the victim in a fatal glider crash in St. Mary's County.
Police said 55-year-old James Michael Dayton of Mechanicsville, Md. was killed when the glider he was riding in crashed into trees near the St. Mary's Airport in Hollywood, Maryland.
Authorities said the pilot in craft was Nicholas John Mirales, 53, of Prince Frederick, Md. Mirales survived the crash but was rescued in critical condition. A helicopter transported him for treatment.
On Friday afternoon, witnesses said a single-engine Cessna towing the glider was flying at low-altitude when the tether connecting the aircraft released. The glider descended into the trees and crashed.
Rescuers had to use the ladder of a fire truck in order to reach the wreckage, which was stuck in the tree tops.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the incident.
