2 killed in North Carolina helicopter crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Two people died Tuesday when a helicopter crashed near a highway in North Carolina, according to WSOC-TV.

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Authorities confirmed that two people were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Interstate 77 and Nations Ford Road in south Charlotte, WSOC reported. In a statement, officials with WBTV confirmed that the incident involved a station helicopter.

“The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss. Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board,” WBTV said in a statement obtained by WSOC. “Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”

In a statement on social media, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings called the pilot’s actions heroic.

“Witnesses indicated that the pilot made diversionary moves away from the highway to save lives,” he said. “Because of his heroic acts, there were no further injuries or vehicles on the highway involved in the incident.”

In a statement obtained by WSOC, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said the Robinson R44 helicopter crashed around 12:20 p.m. local time. Officials said two people were on board the helicopter.

“The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate,” the statement read. “The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates. Neither agency identifies people involved in aircraft accidents.”

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