Tragic training flight ends in loss of three personnel
Three Royal Navy personnel have been identified after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton in Devon on Wednesday at around 03:45 BST. The crash claimed the lives of Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, 42, Lt Lily Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the names and said all three were serving members of the Commando Helicopter Force. Officials described them as highly skilled and dedicated aviators.
Who were the crew members
Lt Cdr Chris Gayson
Lt Cdr Chris Gayson was 42 and served as a senior officer in the Royal Navy. His family described him as a kind and gentle man who deeply valued his loved ones. They said he remained committed to both his career and his family life.
Lt Lily Mae Fisher
Lt Lily Mae Fisher, 31, was the only serving female Royal Navy commando at the time of her death. She was close to completing her flying training and was due to receive her pilot wings later this month.
Her family described her as driven, energetic, and always pushing herself to achieve more. Before joining the Navy in 2019, she studied at Imperial College London and competed in sport at an international level for England and Great Britain. She also served during operations linked to the Channel migrant crisis.
Petty Officer Owen Green
Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, was also part of the helicopter crew. His family said he was a devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner. They described him as caring and deeply committed to the people closest to him.
Military response and tributes
Air Vice Marshal Lee Turner of Joint Aviation Command said the loss has caused deep sadness across the aviation community. He described the crew as highly capable professionals who will be greatly missed.
Col Will Penkman, commanding officer of the Commando Helicopter Force, called the incident a major tragedy and said the unit had lost three valued members of its team.
