LEWISTON, Idaho -- Family, friends and co-workers are mourning the deaths of Larry Barrett, Dani Schiff and Perry Krinitt, who were killed Tuesday in a chopper crash near Kamiah, Idaho.

It was a routine flight to count salmon along the Selway River for Idaho Fish and Game biologists Larry Barrett and Dani Schiff and Leading Edge Aviation pilot Perry Krinnitt that ended with their helicopter crashing to the ground near Idaho Fish and Game offices in Kamiah.

The flags outside the Lewiston Fish and Game office where Schiff and Barrett worked flew at half staff Wednesday in their honor.

34-year-old Danielle Schiff worked for Fish and Game since 1997. Friends say the University of Idaho graduate enjoyed fishing, whitewater rafting and rugby. Co-worker Larry Barrett was known by many in Lewiston as a dedicated Fish and Fame officer who loved to fish in his free time.

Stuart Waters owns Waters Edge Bait and Tackle across the river from where the chopper took off and says he and Larry shared a lot in common.

“Besides being a Fish and Game officer, he loves the sport of fishing and I love the sport of fishing. There's a simpatico there,” Waters said.

Pilot Perry Krinitt moved to the area a few months ago and family members say he'd flown with caution for many years.

Idaho Fish and Game believes the helicopter experienced a mechanical malfunction that brought the aircraft down. The crash is under investigation.