LONDON — Royal Navy officer Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, the service’s only serving female commando, was among three personnel killed when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise in southwest England, Britain's Ministry of Defence said on Thursday. The aircraft went down near Sourton Down in Devon in the early hours of June 3, and an investigation into the cause remains underway.
The Ministry of Defence identified the dead as Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher of 846 Naval Air Squadron, and Petty Officer Owen Green of 845 Naval Air Squadron. The ministry said the three died during routine training activity in Devon. Their families have been informed and are receiving support, officials said.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed in a field near the village of Sourton, close to Okehampton, shortly before 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday, according to the Royal Navy and emergency services. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the cause of the crash, and officials said details of the investigation remain limited.
Fisher, 31, became the first serving female Royal Navy Commando after completing the demanding All Arms Commando Course in 2022, according to Royal Navy statements and local media reports. She later joined flying training and served with 846 Naval Air Squadron.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The loss of Lieutenant Commander Gayson, Lieutenant Fisher and Petty Officer Green is truly devastating. They were dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces.”
Colonel Will Penkman, commanding officer of the Commando Helicopter Force, described the three personnel as “highly committed professionals” and said their loss would be deeply felt across the force.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other senior public figures also paid tribute following the crash, while emphasizing support for the families of those killed.
The Royal Navy said the helicopter was taking part in a training mission at the time of the accident. Investigators continue to examine the crash site and review the circumstances surrounding the incident. No findings on the cause have yet been released.
