Four Killed in New Mexico Helicopter Crash After Fighting Wildfire

The victims have been identified as Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, and Dep. Michael Levison of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, as well as Rescue Specialist Matthew King of the Bernalillo County Fire Department.

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July 19, 2022

Four Killed in New Mexico Helicopter Crash After Fighting Wildfire — (from left) Lt. Fred Beers, Rescue Specialist Matthew King, Undersheriff Larry Koren, and Dep. Michael Levison were killed when the helicopter they were in crashed on July 16.
*Photos: Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office*

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Four people were killed on Saturday, July 16 when a Bernalillo County, New Mexico, Sheriff's Office helicopter crashed. The helicopter was returning to Albuquerque after assisting with firefighting efforts in northern New Mexico when it unexpectedly crashed, according to a press release from Gov. Michelle Grisham's office.

The Metro 2 helicopter crashed when it was returning from northern New Mexico after assisting with firefighting efforts.
*Photos: Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office*

The Metro 2 helicopter was providing bucket drops and other air logistics needs to fire crews on the ground, who were fighting the East Mesa Fire.

New Mexico State Police announced its investigators are working alongside federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.

Topics:crash Wildfires Helicopter Safety

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