American searchers scoured woods and fields in northern Virginia yesterday for the body of a third victim from the crash of a hot air balloon that drifted into a power line and burst into flames in front of horrified spectators.

Two members of the University of Richmond's athletic staff were killed in the crash.

Associate head coach Ginny Doyle and director of basketball operations Natalie Lewis were killed on Friday after the balloon drifted into a power line, burst into flames and fell into a wooded area about 40 kilometers north of Richmond.

"Words cannot begin to express our sorrow," Keith Gill, the school's athletic director, said. "We are all stunned by the tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones."

Donald Kirk said his son Daniel was piloting the balloon. His company's website said he had been a hot air balloon pilot for more than 20 years and had a commercial balloon pilot license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Lewis had just completed her second year as director of basketball operations for the women's team, according to a profile on the university's website. She was a two-time captain of the Spiders' swim team.

Doyle, who graduated from Richmond in 1992 after a standout basketball career, served on the team staff for 16 years - including nine winning seasons. She earned all-conference honors twice as a player.

"As alumnae, classmates, and colleagues - and as invaluable and devoted mentors for our student-athletes - Ginny and Natalie have been beloved members of our community," university president Edward Ayers said. The university canceled two weekend baseball games.

Witnesses to the crash described a harrowing sight on the special preview night for the Mid-Atlantic Balloon Festival, which was set to open on Saturday. The festival was canceled.

The balloon was among 13 that lifted off on Friday night from Meadow Event Park, home to the State Fair of Virginia, and was approaching a landing site nearby when it hit the power line.