The Royal Navy has named the three victims of a helicopter crash in Devon: Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, and Petty Officer Owen Green. The incident occurred on Wednesday near Okehampton, during a training exercise involving a Merlin Mk4 helicopter.
Victims Identified
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was Britain's only serving female commando. Her family described her as an "extraordinary woman, daughter, sister and partner" who "took every opportunity to push her limits." Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, was remembered as an "extremely kind and gentle family man" dedicated to his Royal Navy career. Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, was described as a "caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner" whose life was "far too short."
Military Tributes
Defence Secretary John Healey called the three "dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces." Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, said: "It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday... Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts." Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, Commander of Joint Aviation Command, expressed "profound sadness" over the loss of "three deeply capable and professional aviators."
Background of the Victims
Lieutenant Fisher joined the Royal Navy in 2019 and was celebrated as an inspiration by the MoD and NATO. Lieutenant Commander Gayson enlisted in 2008 and was promoted in 2020, hailed for his exemplary leadership. Petty Officer Green joined in 2022 and gained extensive flying hours in Arctic conditions, becoming a highly experienced operator in extreme environments.
Crash Details
Witness Eddie Amhof, 81, described hearing a "horrendous noise" from the helicopter flying low over his home before the engines cut and a "big red flash" lit up the sky. The crash occurred just before 4am on Wednesday, completely destroying the aircraft. Accident investigators and emergency personnel remain at the scene, where floral tributes have been left near the cordon.
