2 dead in police helicopter crash near Charlottesville, Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The FAA says a helicopter crashed seven miles southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia.

The plane crashed around 4:50 p.m.

There were two people on board, according to the FAA.

Virginia State Police said there were "two confirmed fatalities."

Police said the pilot, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, Virginia, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, 40, of Quinton, Virginia died at the scene.

No one on the ground was injured.

The crash comes as violent clashes broke out Saturday during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.

Officials say the crash is linked to the clashes.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Virginia State Police are investigating the crash, which took place in a wooded area.

Cox Media Group