A Vancouver Island pilot who was killed while aiding in battling a wildfire in Colorado has been identified as 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke.
The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Dale’s identity Monday, saying he was the sole occupant of a Kaman K-1200 K-MAX helicopter that crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir.
The helicopter went down at approximately 5:17 p.m. while supporting firefighting efforts on the Gold Mountain Fire on Sunday, July 12th.
Police said Dale’s body was later recovered from the submerged aircraft and transferred to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The helicopter was operated by Helicopter Express, which confirmed Dale’s death Monday in a heartfelt tribute.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of a valued member of the Helicopter Express family,” the company said.
The company said Dale was involved in an accident while conducting firefighting operations on the Gold Mountain Fire.
“Nick’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
Dale is survived by his wife and two children.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, fellow crewmembers, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him,” the company added.
No further details about what caused the crash have been released.
The Gold Mountain Fire is burning in Gunnison County, Colorado, where crews continue working to contain the blaze.
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