4 dead after sheriff's helicopter crashes in New Mexico

The first responders were assisting with the East Mesa Fire.

ByMatt Foster and Julia Jacobo

July 17, 2022, 2:05 PM

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4 emergency responders die in helicopter crash in New Mexico

There were three county sheriffs and one member from the fire department in the helicopter at the time of the crash, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department.

Four people aboard a sheriff's department helicopter have died following a crash Saturday night near Las Vegas, New Mexico, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department.

Three members of the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and one member of the Bernalillo County Fire Department were in the helicopter known as Metro 2 at the time of the crash, officials said.

The Metro 2 helicopter is seen in an undated handout photo. According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, the aircraft known as Metro 2 was assisting fire crews battling the East Mesa Fire. The aircraft was on the way back to Albuquerque when the crash happened.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The victims were identified by the sheriff's office as Undersheriff Larry Korn, Lt. Fred Beers, deputy Michael Levison and rescue specialist Matthew King.

The first responders were on their way back to Albuquerque after assisting fire crews with the East Mesa Fire, according to the sheriff's department.

New Mexico State Police said they had arrived at the scene, which is about 120 miles northeast of Albuquerque. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were expected to investigate the crash, the state police said.

"At this time the investigation into this incident is in its preliminary stages. As we learn further details, we will provide them through official press releases like this one," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "Please keep these individuals and their families in your thoughts and prayers tonight."

ABC News' Sam Sweeney contributed to this report.

Must have been quite the nap

LOL. How long was I out?

My bag, sorry, I was reading about a midair and this was sub item and I never did check the date. Guess I'll be more careful in the future.

"Lol" 4 men lost their lives.  Sorry you got the wrong accident you peace of shi$! Walmart is looking for truck drivers. Go disrespect another iindustry.  Obviously you grew up playing video games.  and yes this is the first time I've ever posted here.  

To "Real FirePilot"  I posted the original article because I thought it was new info however I later apologized as "OP" for not checking the date.  The other posts were not mine and your remarks unnecessary.