California pilot dies in helicopter crash battling massive Utah wildfire
A beloved pilot from California tragically died fighting a wildfire in central Utah after his helicopter went down.Miles Elliott, 50, of Porterville, and fellow pilot Chris Andersen were killed supporting firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire in Sevier County on Aug.7 when their Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter crashed. The aircraft was operating under an exclusive-use contract with the US Forest Service, and both pilots were employees of Helicopter Transport Services.
Their helicopter was airborne for approximately two minutes and traveled about 3 miles before going down.A Porterville High School graduate, Elliott is survived by his fiancée, Briana Groves, and their son, Truxton.Friends and family remembered Elliott as far more than an accomplished pilot, describing him as a devoted husband to his wife and their son.“He was a devoted husband to Briana, a loving father to their son, Truxton, a local small-business owner, talented photographer, mentor, entrepreneur, and a friend to so many,” the family said in a note on its GoFundMe page. Porterville Mayor Greg Meister said in a statement that “Miles will be remembered as a hero, and the City of Porterville will honor him as one.” Flags at city facilities have been lowered to half-mast in honor of Elliott.“Miles represented the very best of Porterville,” Mayor Meister continued.
“He was a devoted father, pilot, entrepreneur, photographer, mentor, and an incredibly gifted person who used his talents to serve others and give back to the community he called home.”Meister said that Elliott served on the Porterville Airport Committee and the Porterville Little League Board, giving his time and talents back to the community he loved.“Miles traveled across our nation fighting wildland fires, putting the lives and safety of others before his own.It was a life of service and selflessness, and ultimately, he gave his life while protecting others,” the mayor said.The Porterville Municipal Airpor...