Royal Navy air squadron killed in Devon helicopter crash pictured

The families of three ‘cherished’ Royal Navy personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Devon have paid tribute to them.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green died in the incident on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence has said.

The department previously confirmed they died during a training exercise.

Witnesses said they heard a series of explosions and a second helicopter hovering in the area.

Lt Fisher’s family described her as an ‘extraordinary woman, daughter, sister and partner.’

In a statement, they said: ‘To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.

‘We are so proud of everything she accomplished.

‘She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired.’

Lt Cdr Gayson’s family described him as an ‘extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly’.

Their statement added: ‘He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.’

Petty Officer Green’s family described him as a ‘caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner’, saying that his death has left them ‘devastated’.

‘His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken,” their statement said.

His family added: ‘His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him.

‘We are so proud of him achieving his life’s goal to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman and are grateful for the joy he brought into ours and Iona’s (his partner’s) lives.

‘He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.’

Tributes from the UK armed forces

Members of the UK armed forces have also started paying tribute to the three killed in the crash.

Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, said: ‘It is a tragedy that 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.’

Pictures from the scene show the tailfin lying beside the charred remains of what is thought to be a Merlin aircraft.

Eddie Amhof, who lives near the site of the accident, told ITV he saw an ‘almighty flash of red which lit up the sky’ as the noise of the helicopter stopped abruptly.

He told the outlet: ‘I heard this horrendous noise from a helicopter, it sounded like he was going to pitch on the roof. It was a terrible noise.

‘By the time I got out of bed, and got to the window, he’d moved away about half-a-mile.

‘And all of a sudden, no noise at all. The engines were gone.’

Another witness wrote on social media: ‘Heard a helicopter very low around us at 3.30 this morning, looked out, no lights, but sounds going towards Okehampton! Hope all ok.’

Meanwhile someone else said: ‘Thought there was a loud bang at 3 this morning.’

One person staying nearby in a van said: ‘Got woken up by this in my van, was so low my van was shaking.’

A Merlin Mk4 helicopter, the model believed to have been involved, can carry four crew and up to 24 soldiers.

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