A tragic incident unfolded in Yosemite National Park when a firefighting helicopter crashed, resulting in the loss of two pilots. The aircraft was engaged in efforts to control the Dome Fire and went down during a water bucket drop operation on Sunday, as reported by The Associated Press.
Both pilots onboard were employed by Precision Helicopters, contracted for firefighting duties. Social media posts by the company identified the deceased as Ryan Cutter and Greg King.
Ryan Cutter, a helicopter pilot since 2011, had been with Precision Helicopters for a year and a half, according to his LinkedIn profile. His GoFundMe page describes him as a “deeply loved husband, son, friend, and godfather.”
Greg King, with a background in firefighting operations in Alaska, had strong ties with the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. The agency regarded him as a dedicated aviator and expressed their condolences, noting his connection to personnel still active in the division.
“Greg was a dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many of us,” the agency expressed. “We mourn both pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and extend our sympathy to their families.”
In addition to mourning their loss, Precision Helicopters honored Cutter and King through social media, acknowledging their commitment and the honor they brought to their mission.
The Super Puma helicopter crashed near a lake, while utilizing a water bucket to aid in suppressing the Dome Fire, as mentioned by Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the Federal Complex Incident Management Team.
Investigations will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, with the Federal Aviation Administration supporting the process.
Efforts to contain the Dome Fire continue, with hundreds of firefighters actively combating the blaze. As of now, approximately 580 personnel are engaged, with 4.7 square miles burned and roughly 15% containment achieved.
The site of the crash, located southeast of Ostrander Lake, lies about seven miles northeast of Wawona and nine miles south of Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan.
On Monday, a procession carrying the deceased pilots’ remains was observed passing through Merced, California, with local news outlet Fox 26 capturing the scene. Social media users expressed their sorrow, offering prayers and condolences to the deceased pilots’ families.
Some sentiments shared included: “Prayers for their families and loved ones. May they rest in peace,” and “They paid the ultimate price for all of us. May God bless their families.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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