Trio from Yeovil, Somerset, killed in Devon helicopter crash

Lt Cdr Gayson’s family described him as an “extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly”.

Their statement added: “He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.”

Alongside Gayson, Britain’s only serving female commando has been named amongst the three victims.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, died alongside 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green following the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, just before 4am on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Lt Fisher, Lt Cdr Gayson and Petty Officer Green were based in Yeovil, Somerset – with the first two serving with 846 Naval Air Squadron and the latter with 845 Naval Air Squadron.

Defence Secretary John Healey described all three as “dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces”.

Lt Fisher’s family described her as an “extraordinary woman, daughter, sister and partner”.

In a statement, they said: “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.”

Petty Officer Green’s family described him as a “caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner”, saying that his death has left them “devastated”.

“His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken,” their statement said.

His family added: “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 (his partner’s) lives.

“He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.”

The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed.

Members of the UK armed forces have also started paying tribute to the three killed in the crash.

Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, 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.”

Also paying tribute to the trio, Commander of Joint Aviation Command, Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, said: “The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular.

“They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”

Lt Fisher joined the Royal Navy in 2019 and previously described it as a “massive privilege and a huge honour to serve my country”.

Her achievement of becoming the only serving British female commando was celebrated by the UK armed forces and Nato, with the MoD describing her as an “inspiration to countless people”.

She posted to her thousands of followers on social media about some of her achievements, including stepping into the cockpit of a Merlin helicopter for the first time in August last year.

Lt Cdr Gayson became a member of the Royal Navy in 2008 and was promoted to the role of Lieutenant Commander in 2020.

The MoD said his leadership was “exemplary” and labelled him the “utmost professional”.

Petty Officer Green joined the Royal Navy in 2022 and picked up a high number of flying hours during missions in demanding Arctic conditions.

The MoD said he had become one of his squadron’s most experienced operators in extreme environments, adding that he made a “significant contribution to squadron capability and mission success”.