UPDATE (October 25, 2024): Recent reports identified the passengers and the pilot killed in the accident. It appears the passengers were Cesar Lerma, Marie Alonso, and Lerma’s son. The pilot was Samantha Grandbouche. Right now, investigations are ongoing.
Houston, TX — October 20, 2024, a child and three others were killed following a helicopter accident at around 7:51 p.m. near Second Ward.
Authorities said in preliminary statements that the accident involved a private helicopter tour that departed some time earlier in the evening from the Ellington Airport, southeast of Houston.
In video of the accident, the helicopter can be seen approaching a radio tower. Both the helicopter and the tower appeared to having lights on. Somehow, the helicopter hit the tower, then burst into flames. Due to the crash, authorities currently say four people were killed, including a child. Their identities are not available right now. Authorities also have yet to confirm a cause for the accident.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Needless to say, something went terribly wrong here. But it’s important with any fatal accident to ensure authorities aren’t being too narrow in their investigations. There could always be extenuating circumstances surrounding what happened that require a broader scope. For example, was the pilot qualified? Were there unexpected weather or visibility conditions? Was the radio tower clearly visible to air traffic? Did the helicopter have any known mechanical issues? Did it have faulty electronics or communications equipment? Likely or not, all possible factors need to be considered if the victims’ loved ones are going to get the answers they deserve. It’s simply a matter of ensuring those looking into the crash are actually asking the right questions.
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