Three Royal Navy personnel tragically lost their lives during a training exercise in Devon yesterday. The victims have been identified as Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Petty Officer Owen Green, and Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson.
Victims of the Crash
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was the only female commando currently serving in the Royal Navy. She died in the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, and Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, also lost their lives.
Defence Secretary John Healey described all three as dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of the Armed Forces.
Details of the Incident
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed. The Royal Navy has asked anyone in the vicinity of the crash site to understand the poignancy of this event, not to share footage, and to hand any footage to the relevant investigating authority.
A tribute from the Royal Navy stated: All three dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country. Our thoughts remain with their families, friends, and colleagues, and we continue to demand their privacy is respected at this time.
Tributes to the Fallen
Lieutenant Fisher, from Surrey, was a member of 846 Naval Air Squadron. She was active from a young age, competing for her regional Netball team and representing England in Junior Lacrosse and Pole Vault. At university, she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron, where she discovered a passion for flying. She represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in September 2021 while completing Elementary Flying Training. During a break in flying training, she attended the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain's only serving female Royal Navy Commando. She was tragically killed on her final assessment of flying training and was due to be awarded her Pilot's Wings in June 2026.
Her family said: Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her. We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired.
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, from Somerset, joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in September 2008. He gained his wings in October 2012 and served with 845 Naval Air Squadron flying the Sea King Mk4, including operations in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan, and embarked operations. In 2020, he became Senior Pilot of Sixty Squadron, delivering advanced helicopter training to RAF and Commando Helicopter Force pilots. He was an utmost professional, and his leadership of the Operational Conversion Flight was exemplary.
His family stated: Chris was an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly. He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.
Petty Officer Owen Green, from Hampshire, joined the Royal Navy in January 2022. He served as an Aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron, demonstrating consistently high professional competence. His deployment on Operation Clockwork 26 was notable, accumulating the highest flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions and earning his Arctic environmental qualification.
His family said: Losing Owen has left us all devastated. His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken. He was a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner to Iona. His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him. We are so proud of him achieving his life's goal to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman.
Navy Chief's Statement
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones impacted by this event.
