Officer Nicholas Vella, 44, dead and other officer critically injured after police helicopter has mechanical issue, crashes into ocean near Newort Beach, California
14-year veteran officer killed in police helicopter crash in California
The helicopter crash-landed at about 6:30 p.m. while responding to a disturbance near Newport Beach, according to police.
Nicholas Vella, 44, with the Huntington Beach Police Department, died in the crash, Chief Eric Parra announced during a news conference Saturday night.
Investigators still trying to determine cause of deadly police chopper crash in Newport Beach
The pilot made a brief call to report that the helicopter was experiencing mechanical issues, before calling again to say that they were going to crash, said NTSB spokesperson Elliott Simpson during a Sunday news conference. “Right now, it appears to be a nose-down descent into the water,” Simpson said.
Officer killed, another hurt in police helicopter crash
Authorities say an officer was killed and another officer was critically injured after a Huntington Beach police helicopter crashed in the water near California’s coast.
Police helicopter crashes in water off Newport Beach fatally wounding 1 pilot, injuring another
The crash happened shortly after 6:30 p.m. Two pilots were on board at the time of the crash, and became trapped in the wreckage, according to officials. Both were rescued and taken to the hospital.
What do you want to do?
After a serious or fatal personal injury, take these steps to help the recovery process
When someone suffers a serious personal injury, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of disability, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies from their injuries, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.
After a serious or fatal personal injury, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Go here to learn how to protect the rights of personal injury victims and their families.
Add new comment