Four members of a single family, including a man and his three nieces, tragically lost their lives in a devastating helicopter crash just before the man’s scheduled wedding ceremony. The pilot, David McCarty, 59, had taken Rachel McCarty, 22, Faith McCarty, 21, and Katelyn Heideman, also 21, for a flight in a private helicopter as part of pre-wedding celebrations with his fiancée Joelleen Linstrom.
The fatal accident occurred on 2 January in Arizona when the helicopter collided with a slackline, causing it to crash in the rugged terrain of Telegraph Canyon, about 64 miles east of Phoenix. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the helicopter hit the line before plummeting to the ground, resulting in the untimely deaths of all four individuals on board.
Emergency responders faced challenges reaching the remote crash site on foot, and it wasn’t until 5 pm that teams were able to confirm the fatalities. The helicopter had departed earlier in the day from an airport in Queen Creek, a suburb of Phoenix where McCarty resided. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed flight restrictions over the area to facilitate recovery and investigative efforts.
David McCarty, an experienced aviation professional and the founder of Columbia Basin Helicopters established in 1997 in La Grande, was known for his piloting skills and dedication to his family. The tragic loss deeply impacted loved ones, with Mary Jane Heideman expressing disbelief over the bright futures of the young victims. Messages of condolences and support flooded in from friends and family members as they mourned the devastating incident.
The family members affected by the crash, including Elizabeth Gallup, acknowledged the outpouring of support and requested continued prayers during their grieving process. The heartfelt message shared online highlighted the profound loss suffered by the family, emphasizing the unity and love that transcends even in tragic circumstances.
The community and loved ones of the victims are left grappling with the immense sorrow brought by the unexpected tragedy, as they seek solace and strength during this challenging time.