A Massachusetts couple has been identified as two of the three fatalities in a tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Hawaii's Kauai island last week. Patrick Haskell, 59, and his wife Margaret Rimmler, 65, were visiting from the affluent coastal town of Scituate, located just south of Boston.
The Fatal Aerial Tour
The couple was enjoying an aerial tour with Airborne Aviation when their helicopter went down near Kalalau Beach at approximately 3:45 PM on March 26. Dramatic footage captured the aftermath, showing the aircraft submerged in the ocean while emergency personnel treated survivors on the shoreline.
Victims' Backgrounds
Haskell had recently retired from his family-owned insurance business, Haskell Insurance Agency, which released a statement praising his kindness and selfless nature. Rimmler had a long and successful career in marketing. The pair resided in a beautiful $1.2 million beachfront home in Scituate.
Allison Baldwin, a high school friend of Rimmler, expressed shock and sadness, noting that former classmates were united in grief and support for the family.
Rescue Operation and Conditions
A total of five passengers were aboard the aircraft. Two survivors were transported to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. The identity of the third victim, a 40-year-old woman, has not been publicly released.
The U.S. Coast Guard's Honolulu command center received the crash report around 3:50 PM, triggering a massive multi-agency response. Resources deployed included:
- An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew
- A 45-foot Response Boat crew
- Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry
- Kauai Fire Department's Air 1 helicopter
- Ocean Safety Bureau officers on jet skis
Additional support came from the Kauai Police Department, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kauai Emergency Management Agency, and American Medical Response.
Challenging Rescue Environment
Kauai Fire Chief Michael Gibson described spotty conditions during the operation, with intermittent rain, wind, and rough surf complicating efforts. Communication weaknesses in the remote northern area further hindered response.
Gibson revealed that extracting one victim trapped inside the helicopter took over an hour, as initial efforts focused on those already on the beach. By the time of extraction, weather conditions had deteriorated significantly.
The fire chief acknowledged the emotional toll on first responders, stating that while they train for such complex, high-risk operations in remote locations, no training can lessen the emotional weight of such tragedies.
Company Response and Investigation
Airborne Aviation suspended all operations indefinitely following the crash. Director of Operations Doug Froning expressed profound impact across the industry and pledged full support for the victims' families.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the cause of the crash.
History of Incidents
The crash occurred along the Na Pali Coast, a highly sought-after route for helicopter tours offering stunning views of steep mountains and pristine beaches. This area has witnessed similar tragedies, including a fatal July 2024 crash that killed a pilot and two passengers, and another incident in February 2024 resulting in one injury.
