WBTV staffers Chip Tayag and Jason Myers were killed when the company's Sky3 helicopter crashed. | WBTV News/Facebook
WBTV staffers Chip Tayag and Jason Myers were killed when the company's Sky3 helicopter crashed. | WBTV News/Facebook
A WBTV Sky3 helicopter crashed in the middle of the day on Tuesday, taking the lives of two WBTV staffers.
“The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss,” the station said after the accident, quoted by CNN. “Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”
Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag were identified as the WBTV employees who died in the crash that happened in Charlotte on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Charlotte police were initially notified about the crash off Interstate 77 on the side of the road at approximately noon. Once officers arrived, they confirmed two people died on the scene; Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings reported.
Jennings said no other vehicles were involved, and he heard that it appeared the helicopter’s pilot looked like he was diverting the aircraft to avoid hitting traffic.
“If that is truly the case, then that pilot is a hero in my eyes to make sure that the safety and security of those that were driving on the road was not in jeopardy,” Jennings added.
Traffic was detoured for hours afterward while police secured the scene of the crash and crews cleaned up. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration were called in to investigate.
“This is a terrible tragedy for the WBTV family, and we are praying for them and all of those in the media who work so hard to keep the public informed,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement, quoted by CNN.
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