Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert were killed alongside their pilot when a private helicopter crashed and caught fire on the Greek island of Sifnos while the couple were on their honeymoon. The aircraft came down in the Tholos area of the Aegean island, and local media reported that it plummeted rapidly before bursting into flames upon impact.
Tributes from Blackstone and Bain
A spokesperson for asset management firm Blackstone, where Mr Cromie worked as vice president in private wealth solutions, said: "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 added: "Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."
Ms Ebert was a senior specialist at management consultancy Bain and Company, according to her LinkedIn profile. A spokesperson for Bain said: "We are shocked to read reports of a tragic accident in Greece regarding one of our colleagues and her husband. Our thoughts and support are with the families involved at this very difficult time."
Crash details and response
The Bell 206 helicopter departed from near the Greek capital on Monday, according to Athens newspaper Ta Nea, but radio contact went silent after the pilot announced he was preparing to land. The victims were believed to be in their early 30s, and the helicopter was reportedly a private air taxi that suffered a mechanical failure.
Emergency services arrived at the scene at approximately 6.15pm local time. Footage circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from the wreckage. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the Greek authorities."
