The employer of a British man killed in a helicopter crash in Greece has said it is “shocked” by the news of his sudden passing. Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert died alongside their pilot Giorgos Raikos when the aircraft they were travelling in crashed and sparked a fire in the Tholos area of Sifnos on Monday (17 August), The Times reported.
Employer pays tribute
In a statement issued to the Press Association (PA) on Tuesday (18 August), a spokesperson for the asset management firm Blackstone – where Mr Cromie worked as a vice president in private wealth solutions – described him as a “beloved” employee. The newlyweds were celebrating their honeymoon on the Greek island.
“We are shocked by the tragic passing of three people including our colleague Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, who were celebrating their honeymoon,” the spokesperson for the company said. “Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
Career and background
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Cromie worked at Blackstone for four years, first as associate in private wealth solutions before being made a vice president last January. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been contacted for comment.
The Mirror reported that the pilot of the helicopter, Mr Raikos, was a married father-of-three with a military background. The helicopter, operated by Bellavia Aviation Services, came down just moments before it was due to touch down at Sifnos heliport. Witnesses reported hearing an unusual noise as the aircraft made its approach, according to Greek news outlet Proto Thema.
Impact
A photograph taken at the scene in the immediate aftermath showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from a fierce fireball at the site.
