Tributes have been paid to a “beloved” man who died alongside his wife in a helicopter crash while they were celebrating their honeymoon in Greece.
Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, as well as their pilot Giorgos Raikos, were killed when the private helicopter crashed and sparked a fire in the Tholos area of Aegean island Sifnos.
Blackstone tribute
In a statement issued to the Press Association, a spokesperson for asset management firm Blackstone, where Mr Cromie worked as a 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.
“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 flight details
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 Bell 206 helicopter took off near the capital on Monday, Athens newspaper Ta Nea reported, but after the pilot said he was preparing to land there was radio silence.
Crash and response
Local media said the helicopter rapidly lost altitude and burst into flames after crashing, with footage on social media showing smoke rising from the wreckage.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 6.15pm local time.
A spokesperson for Bain & Company 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.”
Ms Ebert was a senior specialist at the management consultancy, according to her LinkedIn page.
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.”
