The two victims of the tragic helicopter crash in Co Westmeath on Tuesday, July 30 have been named as Irish national Niall Crosby, 46, and Czech national Antonin Kabelka, 48.
The passing of Niall, who was originally from Co Kildare but was most recently living in Dublin with his wife and children, was confirmed by his family in a statement on Wednesday night.
Niall is survived by his wife Jillian (nee Kee) and two children, as well as by his parents and three brothers.
As well as his in-laws and extended family, Niall will be deeply missed by his wide circle of friends, relations, work colleagues, clients, and professional peers, his family said.
Niall's family said: "Originally from Straffan, Co Kildare, Niall was a highly successful IT consultant, entrepreneur and founder who had spent much of his working life in London. He and Jillian had returned to Dublin to raise their family in recent years.
"Niall’s family would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with their condolences over the past extraordinarily difficult 24 hours. They would like to particularly thank the first responders and the various authorities who have been so understanding and professional. And they would like to especially thank the local communities of Killucan and Raharney for their thoughts and prayers.
"We also have a special thought for Niall’s co-pilot and his family at this tragic time.
"Funeral arrangements are to follow, and the family’s privacy would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks for your understanding."
Antonin, who is from Prague, was reportedly a helicopter flight trainer.
An Garda Síochána said on Tuesday, July 30, that gardaí and emergency services were at the scene of an incident involving a helicopter at a location near Killucan, Co Westmeath which occurred at approximately 3:30 pm.
Two people who were on board the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene, gardai said.
An Garda Síochána was liaising with the family of one male, an Irish national in his 40s.
They were also working to establish contact with the next of kin of the second male, also in his 40s, who is understood to be from Eastern Europe. An Garda Síochána said they may request the assistance of Interpol.
Both bodies were removed from the scene to Regional Hospital Mullingar.
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An Garda Síochána said that Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is the authority for investigating air accidents and serious incidents in Ireland and is the lead agency investigating this aircraft incident.
An Garda Síochána will assist the AAIU by providing any technical and/or forensic services which may be required in the course of their investigation.
The AAIU announced on Tuesday that a temporary airspace restriction had been put in place around Joristown Upper, Co Westmeath, to remain in place through Friday, August 2.
July 30, 2024: Members of AAIU at the scene of the helicopter crash in Kilucan, Co Westmeath. (RollingNews.ie)
On Wednesday, the AAIU said its inspectors had arrived at Killucan to continue a site survey of the accident site and to recover the helicopter to the AAIU’s wreckage examination facility at Gormanston Co Meath.
They also appealed for members of the public who may have photos or video of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30 by emailing [email protected] or calling 01-6041292.
The Westmeath Examiner reported on Tuesday that the four-year-old helicopter, which had departed from Weston Aerodrome approximately 23 minutes earlier, crashed into an agricultural shed at Joristown, not far from Killucan GAA's grounds.
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