A Canadian pilot died on Monday when his helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir while battling the Gold Mountain wildfire in southwestern Colorado.
Nicholas Dale, 56, of Sooke, British Columbia, was the sole occupant of the Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter. Emergency divers recovered his body from the submerged aircraft.
>>> Trump Threatens Naval Blockade on Iran, Demands 20% Tariff on Hormuz Cargo
Local residents lined the streets in tribute as a convoy transported his remains from the area.
The Gunnison County Sheriff's Office expressed deep sorrow and offered support to those affected by the loss.
Colorado Representative Jeff Hurd commended Dale's dedication to public safety and acknowledged the inherent dangers of aerial firefighting.
Hurd emphasized the community's gratitude for the pilot's final mission.
The lawmaker also highlighted the broader risks faced by aviation crews during the fire season.
>>> Canada Freight Rail Halt Disrupts US Supply Chains
Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that state flags would be lowered to half-staff for Dale, who is survived by his wife and two children.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
Helicopter Express, the operator of the aircraft, expressed profound grief over the loss of their pilot.
Dale had been supporting crews fighting the 57-square-mile Gold Mountain fire, which was 11% contained on Monday.
>>> US Immigration Officials Suspend Vehicle Stops After Two Fatal Shootings
His death follows a June tragedy in Mesa County, where wildland firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson lost their lives.
