DSP State Police Investigates Fatal Fall From Helicopter

Georgetown- The preliminary investigation has determined at approximately 6:45 p.m. this evening, Monday July 11, 2016, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was conducting a routine training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team (DART) which is comprised of volunteer firefighters throughout the state and troopers assigned to the Aviation Unit. This incident occurred at the Delaware Coastal Airport located at 21553 Rudder Lane, Georgetown.

During the training exercise a pilot and trooper medic were on board along with the two volunteer fire fighters. As one of the fire fighters stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter he fell from an undetermined height onto a grassy area below the aircraft. At that point the helicopter landed and the trooper medic and volunteer fire fighter on board as well as nearby volunteer fire fighters rushed over to the fallen victim and immediately rendered medical assistance.

Sussex County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the 46 year old male from Lewes to Beebe Healthcare where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is in the early stages and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead investigative agency with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. At this point the name of the fire fighter will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.