Royal Navy crew killed in helicopter crash named
The names of three Royal Navy members who died in a helicopter crash during a training exercise have been released.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed the crew included 42-year-old Lieutenant Chris Gayson, 31-year-old Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Britain’s only female Royal Navy commando, and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green. All three were based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
While their families paid tribute, the military described them as “highly skilled and professional aviators” and “valued members” of the Commando Helicopter Force.
Gayson, Fisher and Green died when the Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Okehampton, Devon, at 3.45am on Wednesday.
Gayson’s family said he was “an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family very much.”
Fisher’s family said she was an “extraordinary woman”, while Green’s family said she was “a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson and partner to Iona whom he loved and cherished”.
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher was to be awarded Pilot Wings in June [BBC]
The Ministry of Defense said Fisher was in his final evaluation of flight training when he was “tragically killed”. It was said that he would be awarded the Pilot’s Wings this month.
Her family said at the memorial: “To say she was full of life would be an understatement: she seized every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more and bring out the best in those around her.
“We are so proud of everything he accomplished. He left an immeasurable void in our lives and all the lives he touched and inspired. As a family, we ask for time and space to please please during this difficult time.”
The MoD said he had a history of representing England and Great Britain in many different sports. He joined the Royal Navy in 2019 after graduating from Imperial College London.
During a break from flight training, she became Britain’s only female Royal Navy Commando and worked as part of the UK military’s response to the Channel migrant crisis, helping locate and rescue boats to prevent loss of life.
Lt. Maj. Chris Gayson’s family says he was ‘dedicated’ to his job [Ministry of Defence/PA Wire]
Gayson’s family said he was “passionate and dedicated to his work in the Royal Navy”.
He joined the Royal Navy as a Combat (Pilot) Officer in September 2008 after studying for a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Bath, the Ministry of Defense said.
He served with 845 Naval Air Squadron flying the Sea King Mk4, which included flying in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan and “launch operations” on naval ships, and was selected for promotion to lieutenant commander in 2020.
He took up the role of Sixty Squadron Senior Pilot where he provided advanced helicopter training to RAF and Commando Helicopter Force support helicopter pilots, rising to ‘A categorisation’ instructor.
The Ministry of Defense said: “Her loss is a huge blow to the Royal Navy, its Forces and its Fleet.”
Petty Officer Owen Green joins Royal Navy in 2022 [Ministry of Defence/PA Wire]
The Ministry of Defense said Green joined the Royal Navy in 2022, first serving as an aircrewman before progressing through the ranks and reaching the Aircrew Wings in June 2025.
He developed expertise in operating in harsh Arctic conditions by participating in a number of major exercises.
His family said in a tribute: “We are all devastated by the loss of Owen. His life was too short and our hearts will be broken forever.
“His kindness, warmth and character touched everyone who knew him. We are immensely proud that he achieved his life’s goal of serving in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman and are grateful for the joy he brought to our and Iona’s lives.
“He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.”
Joint Aviation Commander Air Vice Marshal Lee Turner RAF said: “The loss of three highly skilled and professional airmen during yesterday’s tragic incident is deeply saddened throughout Joint Aviation Command and particularly the Commando Helicopter Force.”
“They will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with the families and everyone affected.”
Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) Commander Colonel Will Penkman described the incident as a “major tragedy”.
“We lost three members of the CHF family yesterday,” Penkman added.
“Dear members of the organization with a bright future ahead of them, they were all extremely determined professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the organization.
“Their loss leaves a terrible hole in our hearts and I share my thoughts with their family and friends who loved them so much.”
Following the news of the accident on Wednesday, a moment of silence was paid by the Princess of Wales, who serves as Commander of the Fleet Air Force, the Chief of the Royal Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
The Civil Aviation Authority said the incident would be investigated by the Defense Accident Investigation Branch.
