Pilot killed in Colorado wildfire helicopter crash identified

A 56-year-old Canadian pilot died when his helicopter crashed while fighting the Gold Mountain fire in southwestern Colorado.

• The Gunnison County sheriff’s office identified the pilot as Nicholas Dale of Sooke, British Columbia, whose body was recovered by divers after the helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir.
• The sheriff’s office expressed its deepest condolences to Dale’s family and fellow wildfire-fighting personnel during the difficult time.
• Colorado Representative Jeff Hurd stated that Dale “answered the call to serve others, knowing the risks that come with that service.”
• Governor Jared Polis said state flags would fly at half-staff when a memorial service is scheduled for Dale, who is survived by his wife and two children.