Durban Helicopter Crash: Names of Deceased Pilot and Student Released
- The names of the Durban helicopter crash deceased have been released by KZN police
- Pilot Derek Fitzgerald (24) and student pilot Richard Morgan died when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed on Monday, 3 May
- Durban Metro police also shared that vagrants stole the propellers and other parts of the helicopter wreckage but were quickly stopped by alert bystanders
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The names of the Durban helicopter crash victims have been released by police. Pilot Derek Fitzgerald (24) and student pilot Richard Morgan passed away when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Durban this week.
Both the deceased are from Durban and the chopper they were using reportedly belonged to the Starlite Aviation Group.
Source: Facebook
The helicopter crashed into the Umgeni River near the N2 on Monday morning. East Coast Radio reports that both Fitzgerald and Morgan had to be extricated from the helicopter's wreckage. It was found submerged in the water.
Meanwhile, IOL reports that Durban Metro cops who were at the scene of the tragic accident said vagrants, who lived under the N2 bridge, stole the propellers and other parts of the wreckage. The cops added that the vagrants were on their way to a nearby scrapyard when tow truck drivers and bystanders stopped them.
The publication added that SACAA spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba said a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days of the accident.
Briefly News reported that South African social media users have shared their deepest sympathies and condolences with the families of the deceased.
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In other news, Briefly News recently reported that the remains of Lindani Myeni arrived in SA on Sunday. The Durban rugby player was shot and killed by Honolulu police.
His body has returned home and will be buried in KwaZulu-Natal. His family will transport his body back to his birthplace. The widow of Myeni has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The father of two died earlier this month after he was gunned down by police who responded to a “burglary in progress” call.
A close friend of Myeni's started a GoFundMe campaign in order to raise money to bring his friend's body back home to South Africa. On the page, the young man describes Myeni as gentle, strong and healthy. He also appeals to people to offer what they can to get Myeni and his family to SA.
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Source: Briefly News
