Tributes Paid After Royal Navy Helicopter Crash
Additional tributes have been made following the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel who died in a helicopter training accident.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, 42, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, lost their lives in the incident, which occurred at approximately 03:45 BST on Wednesday in a field at Sourton, near Okehampton, Devon.
Cdr Alex Kelley, a colleague and friend, stated that the loss of all three, who were stationed at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, would be deeply felt by everyone who knew them and described it as a "devastating" loss to the Royal Navy.
An investigation into the crash is currently underway by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Kelley described Gayson, Fisher, and Green as "exceptionally professional and highly respected members" of the navy.
"The loss of any of us is always felt by all of us.
"Their loss will be felt far and beyond their family and friends, commander helicopter force and everyone they knew - it's devastating."
'Lily-Mae Inspired People'
Lt Lily-Mae Fisher was Britain's only female Royal Navy commando, having completed the demanding 13-week All Arms Commando Course.
In previous comments to the BBC, Fisher, who was training to become a pilot and was due to receive her wings later this month, described the privilege of wearing the green beret, a symbol exclusively awarded to those who pass the commando course, as "a real honour".
Kelley, who met Fisher while training together for a challenge to row across the Atlantic, described her as "one of the most down-to-earth, friendly and selfless people" she had ever encountered, noting Fisher’s proactive approach to life.
"You make the opportunities, you make the experiences in life, they don't come to you, so she had that attitude and it passed onto others,"
Kelley said.
"She did some really hard things but she was honest with the challenges that she faced while doing those, so that became relatable to others who were also maybe thinking about pursuing different things.
"She just inspired people that they could believe and achieve whatever they wanted."
Floral tributes have been placed both at the crash site and outside the RNAS Yeovilton base.
One note left at Yeovilton read:
"Thank you for your service.
Deepest condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. Blue skies."
Families Pay Tribute
On Thursday, the families of the three crew members issued statements honoring their loved ones.
Fisher's family described her as "an extraordinary woman," adding:
"She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired."
The family of Green, from Hampshire, expressed that their "hearts will forever be broken" by his passing.
"His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him,"
they added.
The family of Gayson, from Somerset, remembered him as "an extremely kind and gentle family man" who was also "passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy."
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