Three Royal Navy Crew Identified After Merlin Mk4 Helicopter Crash in Devon

Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, died when their Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed at approximately 03:45 BST near Okehampton, Devon. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed their names following the training exercise incident.

Lieutenant Fisher, described as Britain's only female Royal Navy commando, was reportedly on her final assessment for flying training and was due to receive her Pilot's Wings this month.

Families of the deceased paid tribute, with Gayson's family describing him as an "extremely kind and gentle family man". Fisher's family called her an "extraordinary woman", while Green's family highlighted his role as a "caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner to Iona, whom he loved and cherished".

Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, Commander of Joint Aviation Command, expressed "profound sadness" at the loss of "three deeply capable and professional aviators". Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), labelled it "a great tragedy", noting they were "cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them".

Tributes were also offered by the Princess of Wales, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch will conduct an inquiry into the incident.