Meteorologist, pilot killed in helicopter crash on I-77
GoFundMe accounts have been set up to help the families pay for funeral and memorial expenses
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department said traffic will be backed up for some time after a deadly helicopter crash on I-77.
All southbound lanes were blocked near Nations Ford Road for hours while crews worked to investigate the wreckage of the crash, which is taped off in a grassy area beside the interstate.
WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag were killed in the crash.
As of 5:30 p.m., two lanes on the southbound side of the interstate reopened but the area was still experiencing heavy traffic impacts.
Investigators say it appears Tayag tried to avoid hitting any vehicles on the road and diverted the helicopter while it was crashing. The chief of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department said Tayag is a hero for his efforts to save other lives.
The pilot is a hero in my eyes. Witnesses indicated that the pilot made diversionary moves away from the highway to save lives. Because of his heroic acts, there were no further injuries or vehicles on the highway involved in the incident. https://t.co/yjpeN6zyBF
— Chief Jennings (@cmpdchief) November 22, 2022
WBTV is a Gray Television station and FOX Carolina’s sister station in Charlotte.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family of Meteorologist Jason Myers and the family of pilot Chip Tayag pay for funeral and memorial expenses.
A visitation and funeral for Myers will take place this weekend, the family has announced.
Click here for more updates from WBTV.
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