FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A tragic incident occurred when an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crashed while responding to an active shooter situation in Flagstaff. The crash resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and a trooper who served as a paramedic on board the aircraft, as confirmed by Sgt. Kameron Lee of the Flagstaff Police Department.
The crash took place on Wednesday night when the helicopter was deployed to assist local law enforcement agencies dealing with the urgent situation. The names of the deceased individuals have yet to be disclosed to the public.
Sgt. Lee stated, “Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash will be carried out in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Early inquiries regarding further details about the crash have been sent to both agencies, which are expected to shed light on the incident.
The DPS’s Air Rescue Unit, which is specially trained for high-risk operations such as mountain and water rescues, faces a devastating moment in the wake of this accident. The shooter involved in the original incident suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and is now in custody. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported among other individuals at the scene.
As the community processes this tragedy, the efforts to honor the service of the victims continue, highlighting the risks taken by those in emergency response and law enforcement.
The crash took place on Wednesday night when the helicopter was deployed to assist local law enforcement agencies dealing with the urgent situation. The names of the deceased individuals have yet to be disclosed to the public.
Sgt. Lee stated, “Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash will be carried out in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Early inquiries regarding further details about the crash have been sent to both agencies, which are expected to shed light on the incident.
The DPS’s Air Rescue Unit, which is specially trained for high-risk operations such as mountain and water rescues, faces a devastating moment in the wake of this accident. The shooter involved in the original incident suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and is now in custody. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported among other individuals at the scene.
As the community processes this tragedy, the efforts to honor the service of the victims continue, highlighting the risks taken by those in emergency response and law enforcement.
