A tragic incident unfolded in Arizona on Wednesday night when a Department of Public Safety helicopter, deployed to assist with an active shooter situation, crashed, resulting in the deaths of both crew members on board.
Response to Active Shooter Ends in Tragedy
According to authorities, the Arizona DPS Ranger helicopter crew was responding to assist the Flagstaff Police Department and other law enforcement agencies during a critical incident involving an active shooter. Sergeant Kameron Lee of the department confirmed the devastating outcome in an official statement.
"Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board," Lee stated, highlighting the severe loss suffered by the department and the broader law enforcement community.
Investigation Launched into Fatal Crash
The identities of the deceased pilot and trooper-paramedic have not yet been released to the public, pending notification of their families. In the wake of the crash, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has announced it will be collaborating with federal agencies to determine the cause of the accident.
The department will be working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board on the crash investigation, Lee confirmed. Emails seeking further details about the incident were sent to both federal agencies early on Thursday morning, as the investigation commenced.
Specialised Unit Tasked with High-Risk Operations
The helicopter involved was part of the department's Air Rescue Unit, a specialised team trained for a variety of high-risk scenarios. This unit is routinely called upon for challenging operations, including mountain rescues and water recoveries, underscoring the perilous nature of their duties.
Meanwhile, the suspect in the original active shooter incident sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds during the confrontation and was subsequently taken into custody by law enforcement. Sergeant Lee confirmed that no other individuals were injured in the shooting, bringing a measure of relief amidst the broader tragedy of the helicopter crash.
The community and state officials are now mourning the loss of two dedicated public servants while awaiting the findings of the ongoing federal investigation into this devastating aviation accident.
