The Ministry of Defence has identified the three Royal Navy personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Devon on Wednesday. They are Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, and Petty Officer Owen Green.
Victim Profile
Lieutenant Fisher, aged 31 and based in Yeovil, Somerset, was Britain's only serving female Royal Navy commando at the time of the incident near Okehampton. She joined the Royal Navy in May 2019, holding a geology degree from Imperial College London. Prior to her naval career, she worked as an exploration geologist for BP and participated in university military training programmes.
Lt Fisher successfully completed the demanding 16-week All Arms Commando Course, a significant milestone for women in the armed forces. She was a vocal advocate for women's potential to pass the Royal Marines course, once stating: 'The body achieves what the mind believes.'
Crash Details
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise at Sourton near Okehampton, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green were also killed in the accident. The Royal Navy has expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of all three personnel.
