Royal Navy Crew Killed in Devon Helicopter Crash Named

Three members of the Royal Navy have tragically died following a helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the identities of the deceased as Lt Cmdr Chris Gayson, 42, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24. The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 03:45 BST near Okehampton.

The helicopter involved was a Merlin Mk4. The Civil Aviation Authority has stated that the Defence Accident Investigation Branch will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. This tragic event has prompted widespread tributes from various high-profile figures.

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The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular.

Among those paying respects were the Princess of Wales, in her capacity as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, along with the head of the navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Their messages conveyed profound sadness over the loss of the three aviators.

Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, Commander of Joint Aviation Command, expressed deep sorrow, stating, "The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular." Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), described the event as "a great tragedy," emphasizing that the lost crew members were "cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them."

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We lost three members of the CHF family yesterday. Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force. Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts and my thoughts go out to their family and friends who dearly loved them.