A pilot from Vancouver Island was killed after the helicopter he was flying while battling wildfires in Colorado crashed into a reservoir, according to local authorities. The aircraft reportedly went down in the Silver Jack Reservoir, northeast of Telluride, Colo., shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office says a dive team recovered the body of 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke, B.C., from the submerged helicopter later that evening. A statement from the sheriff’s office says the helicopter was battling the 148-square-kilometre Gold Mountain wildfire when the crash occurred. It said the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are still investigating the incident. The FAA said the Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter “crashed under unknown circumstances, becoming inverted” in the reservoir, according to its preliminary report. Dale was the only person on board when the helicopter went down. “The Gunnison Sheriff’s Office offers its deepest condolences to Mr. Dale’s family, friends, and fellow wildfire-fighting personnel during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar, also offered his condolences. “My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones, friends and everyone in the aerial firefighting community who is mourning this loss,” he said. Helicopter Express, an Atlanta-based aircraft contractor, identified Dale as a “valued member” of the company, saying in a social media post the reservoir where the helicopter crashed was being used as a “dip site” to fight the fire. “Nick’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten,” the company said, adding Dale leaves behind a wife and two children. “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, fellow crewmembers, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him,” the company said. The Associated Press reported that a procession of law enforcement vehicles carried Dale’s body to the city of Grand Junction on Monday, as residents turned out to express their gratitude to the fallen pilot and the thousands of firefighters still battling the blaze. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said state flags would fly at half-staff when a memorial service is scheduled for Dale. “We are committed to supporting our brave firefighters and their families, and the state stands ready to support any investigation into this tragic incident,” Polis said in a statement. Dale was the fourth person killed in recent weeks while battling Colorado wildfires. Three firefighters died on June 27 after becoming trapped by flames near the state’s border with Utah. Here in B.C, Jarrett Lunn, the chief pilot at Talon Helicopters, said he did not know Dale personally but knew of him. “It always hits close to home when we hear about another helicopter accident. It’s sad to hear,” he said. Lunn explained that aeriel firefighters do their best to help people and communities, but there are always risks. With files from The Associated Press and CTV News Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro
