A Glendale man known for numerous comedy appearances in Southern Oregon, and for television appearances, died along with his wife after a plane crash on Sunday in the mountains in Klamath County.

Juan Canopii, 54, and his wife Chantal Canopii, 60, were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash, near the Pacific Crest Trail near Burton Butte and Old Baldy Mountain, according to a release from the Oregon State Police.

Rescuers did not reach the scene until Monday morning, because of low clouds Sunday afternoon when the crash occurred.

The plane was headed from Klamath Falls to Medford. OSP did not indicate who was flying the plane or what type of plane it was.

A game enforcement officer for OSP and a volunteer were working in the area Sunday around 4:50 p.m. when they heard a low-flying plane having engine trouble followed by the sound of a crash.

Initial searches by troopers and Search and Rescue volunteers were unsuccessful, but a helicopter spotted the wreckage Monday morning, allowing responders to find the plane.

Canopii was a native of Hawaii who put together the Big Kahuna Comedy Club at the Wild River Pub in the last decade. He split time betweeen Hawaii, Los Angeles and Southern Oregon. He’s also appeared at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville.

A 2008 article noted that Canopii had joined the U.S. Air Force, and after getting his first paid gig as a comedian in 1990, he was shipped out to the Gulf War. He worked on his comedy throughout his 20 years in the military.

He did small roles on everything from "Fantasy Island" on TV to the movies "Mighty Joe Young" and "George of the Jungle." He landed a spot as a comedian on "Night Shift with Kevin Ferguson" on NBC.

He played a corrupt minister of finance from Zimbabwe in the television series “Leverage” in 2010.

He hosted a benefit for injured Hidden Valley student C.J. Severson in 2012, and in 2013 was the master of ceremonies at a talent competition at the Grants Pass High Performing Arts Center.

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Reach reporter Jeff Duewel at 541-474-3720 or jduewel@thedailycourier.com