UPDATE: Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.
Following the death of three crew members after a medical helicopter crash in Owenton, Kentucky on Monday, their unit, Air Evac Lifeteam in Grant County released a statement on social media.
Read the full statement below.
UPDATE: Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, an official with the NTSB provided updates regarding the medical helicopter crash in Owenton, Kentucky that killed three crew members while they were in route to pick up a patient.
Senior Air Safety Investigator with NTSB, Brian Rayner reported that the guy-wire that the helicopter hit is a "known hazard." The pilot, according to Rayner, was reportedly circling the area until the equipment and the patient were ready to be picked up in the landing zone.
Rayner noted that authorities continue to search for the rotor blade and that one blade is damaged, however, still intact.
UPDATE: Oct. 8 at 12 p.m.
A non-profit organization in Kentucky called Supporting Shields announced that they have launched a t-shirt fundraiser to support the families of the three crew members who were killed in a medical helicopter crash in Owenton on Monday.
To donate or purchase a t-shirt, go to AirEvac Lifeteam 133 Memorial Shirts – Supporting Shields.
UPDATE: Oct. 8 at 8:30 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the medical helicopter that crashed in Owenton on Monday that left three crew members dead reportedly hit a wire before crashing.
In addition, Governor Andy Beshear responded to the crash stating on Facebook, "Heartbreaking news last night out of Owen County, where a fatal helicopter crash took the lives of three crew members from Air Evac Lifeteam. Please join Britainy and me in praying for the families, loved ones and colleagues of those lost in this tragedy."
UPDATE: Oct. 7 at 10:45 p.m.
The Kentucky State Police reported that the three crew members who died in the helicopter crash on Monday in Owenton, Kentucky, have been identified by the Owen County Coroner.
KSP reported that Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken, and James Welsh were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
KSP Post 5 is reportedly conducting the death investigation while the NTSB and the FAA are investigating the helicopter crash.
UPDATE: Oct. 7 at 9:30 p.m.
Air Evac Lifeteam confirmed in a statement that three crew members died in a helicopter accident in Owenton, Kentucky on Monday evening, enroute to pick up a patient.
Officials reported that the Air Evac 133 team out of Grant County were on their way to a scene to pick up a patient before the crash occurred.
"Our primary focus now is on supporting the families who were impacted as well as our team members," the statement read. "Critical incident stress management teams have been sent to assist our team members during this difficult time."
The statement noted that at this time, the names of the crew members who died in the crash will not be released.
The Scott County Fire Department also released a statement regarding the crash, noting that they have worked closely with members of the Grant County team.
Original Story:
Authorities have responded to the scene of a reported fatal helicopter crash near Owen County, Kentucky on Monday evening.
The Owen County Coroner confirmed the "crash with fatalities" occurred on Monday. The FAA website reported that three people were on board of the Bell 206 helicopter that crashed. It is unknown at this time the number of fatalities.
In addition, the FAA reported that the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have more information as it becomes available.
