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 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.
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.
