The Royal Navy has identified the three people who died when a Merlin Mk4 crashed during a training exercise in southwest England June 3.
Lt Cdr Chris Gayson (846 Naval Air Squadron), Lt Lily-Mae Fisher (846 Naval Air Squadron), and PO Owen Green (845 Naval Air Squadron) were killed when the aircraft crashed “during routine training” in the early hours of the morning, the U.K. Ministry of Defence said.
The aircraft came down in a field in Sourton Down in Devon — about halfway between the Royal Navy’s air stations in Yeovilton (where the three were based) and Culdrose.
The investigation into the incident has already begun, and is being carried out by the U.K. Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
The Royal Navy said the crash took place during Lt Fisher’s final assessment of flying training. Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando, she was due to be awarded her Pilot’s Wings in June 2026.
“The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident [June 3] is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular,” said Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, Commander of Joint Aviation Command.
“They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”
John Healey, the UK’s Defence Secretary, said the loss of the three was “truly devastating.”
“They were dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces,” he said.
“Their deaths are a profound loss to all who knew them. My thoughts are with their families, loved ones and those who served alongside them at this deeply tragic time.”
