The three members of the Royal Navy who died when their helicopter crashed into a field in Devon on Wednesday have been named.
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, who was Britain’s only female commando, died alongside 42-year-old Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green following the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, just before 4am on Wednesday.
Defence secretary John Healey described all three as “dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces”.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed.
Members of the UK armed forces have started paying tribute to the three killed in the crash.
Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, said: “It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday.
“Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force.
“Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts and my thoughts go out to their family and friends who dearly loved them.”
Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, who was based in Yeovil, Somerset, was a member of the Royal Navy from May 2019 before her death in the incident on Wednesday.
She described it as a “massive privilege and a huge honour to serve my country” – with her achievement as the only British female Royal Navy commando being praised by Nato.
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. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in September 2008 and the Air Appointments Selection Board selected him to convert onto the Commando Merlin helicopter before assuming the position of Operational Conversion Flight Commander on 846 NAS in July 2025.
His family said: “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 was seen as a rising star in the Royal Navy after he rapidly progressed through the ranks, achieving Leading Hand status before achieving his Aircrewman Wings in 2025.
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, whom he loved and cherished.
“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 and are grateful for the joy he brought into ours and Iona’s lives.
“He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.”
