Four individuals from the same family, including a man and his three nieces, tragically lost their lives in a devastating helicopter accident just before the man’s scheduled wedding ceremony. The pilot, David McCarty, 59, had taken Rachel McCarty, 22, Faith McCarty, 21, and Katelyn Heideman, 21, for a flight in a private helicopter as a pre-wedding outing with his fiancée, Joelleen Linstrom.
The fatal incident occurred on January 2nd in Arizona when the helicopter collided with a slackline in a remote area about 64 miles east of Phoenix, specifically in Telegraph Canyon. Eyewitnesses observed the helicopter hitting part of the slackline before plummeting to the ground.
Rescuers faced challenges reaching the crash site due to the rugged terrain, ultimately arriving at the location hours later. The unfortunate deaths of all onboard were confirmed that evening once crews reached the scene.
The helicopter had departed from an airport in Queen Creek, a suburb of Phoenix where McCarty resided. The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a temporary flight restriction over the area to facilitate recovery and investigation efforts. The sheriff’s office extended condolences to the victims and their families.
McCarty, a seasoned aviation professional, was the founder of Columbia Basin Helicopters, a company he established in 1997 and operated from La Grande. Described as a skilled pilot and a devoted family man by friends and relatives, McCarty’s passing left a profound impact on his loved ones.
Mary Jane Heideman, mother of Katelyn and aunt to Rachel and Faith, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the promising futures of the young women. Elizabeth Gallup, another niece of McCarty, shared a heartfelt message online, acknowledging the tragic loss of her family members in the helicopter crash in Arizona and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support during the difficult time.
The family emphasized the need for continued prayers and support as they navigate the profound grief of losing their loved ones in the tragic accident.