05.06.2026 06:40
The identities of three soldiers who died when a military helicopter crashed during a training flight in the UK have been revealed. Among those killed in the accident was 31-year-old Lily-Mae Fisher, the only female commando in the Royal Navy.
The identities of the three soldiers who lost their lives when a military helicopter crashed during a training mission in England have been announced. The UK Ministry of Defense announced that among those who died in the accident was 31-year-old naval officer Lily-Mae Fisher, the only female commando serving in the Royal Navy.
The Ministry reported that the other soldiers who died in the accident were 42-year-old Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Owen Green.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FROM MINISTER HEALEY
UK Defense Secretary John Healey stated that the fallen soldiers were highly valued members of their squadrons and expressed that they were among the best representatives of the UK Armed Forces.
WAS THE ONLY FEMALE COMMANDO
In his statement following Fisher's death, Labor Party MP Fred Thomas emphasized that she was an inspiring figure for young women. Thomas said, "Lily was a force of nature. She was the only female commando in the Navy and inspired many people."
According to information in the British press, Fisher joined the Royal Navy in 2019. She successfully completed the 16-week commando training course, which very few women finish, and also represented England at the 2021 European Age Group Triathlon Championships.
INVESTIGATION ONGOING INTO THE ACCIDENT
The UK Ministry of Defense announced that the accident occurred during a training flight near Sourton in Devon county on Wednesday at around 04:00 local time. The crashed helicopter was identified as a "Merlin Mk.4" type.
While no official statement has been made regarding the cause of the accident, an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The British press reported that adverse weather conditions were affecting the area at the time of the accident.