4 dead after New Mexico sheriff’s helicopter crashes while helping battle wildfires

Four people were killed after a sheriff’s helicopter crashed in New Mexico on Saturday night, authorities said.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said their “Metro 2” helicopter crashed just outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico, around 7:20 p.m. local time. On board were three sheriff personnel – Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers and Deputy Michael Levison – and Matthew King, a rescue specialist with the Bernalillo County Fire Department. 

The helicopter and crew were used to help fire officials with the East Mesa Fire by “providing bucket drops and other air logistics needs to fire crews on the ground,” according to the sheriff’s department. 

Officials said they are in the preliminary stages of investigating what caused the crash, as the cause is unknown.

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The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed on Twitter they are investigating the incident, with the New Mexico State Police adding the Federal Aviation Administration is also assisting. 

The sheriff’s department said they will have a news conference in the coming days on the incident. The involved departments are working with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator to recover the bodies and take them to Albuquerque. 

“Our focus remains on providing care and support for the surviving family members as they grapple with the situation,” Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III said in a statement. “Please remain patient and be assured we will provide updates at on a regular interval. Thank you for your grace and understanding.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she is “heartbroken” about the deaths and offered her sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues affected.