The deaths of three Royal Navy personnel in a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crash during a training exercise have sent shockwaves through the British military community. Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, and Petty Officer Owen Green lost their lives when the helicopter crashed near Okehampton in Devon during the early hours of the morning. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from family members, colleagues, military leaders, and members of the public who have paid tribute to three highly respected service personnel whose careers reflected dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that all three crew members were based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset and were serving with the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force. The crash occurred during a training exercise involving a Merlin Mk4 helicopter, one of the aircraft used to support Royal Marines operations around the world. Investigations into the cause of the incident are underway, but the immediate focus has been on remembering the lives and achievements of those who died while serving their country.
Military officials described the three aviators as deeply capable professionals who had bright futures ahead of them. Their deaths have left a significant void within the Commando Helicopter Force, where each individual had earned admiration through their skills, leadership, and dedication to duty. Floral tributes placed near the crash site and messages from across the United Kingdom have reflected the profound impact of the loss.
Lily-Mae Fisher’s Remarkable Journey from Athlete to Royal Navy Commando
Among the three victims, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher’s story has attracted particular attention because of her groundbreaking achievements within the Royal Navy. At just 31 years old, she had already established herself as one of the most inspiring figures in the service. Fisher was Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando, a distinction that reflected years of determination, resilience, and exceptional physical and mental strength.
Her family described her as an extraordinary woman whose enthusiasm for life and commitment to excellence influenced everyone around her. According to their tribute, Fisher constantly sought opportunities to challenge herself, improve her abilities, and encourage others to achieve their best. Those qualities were evident throughout her military and academic career.
Before joining the Royal Navy in 2019, Fisher graduated from Imperial College London, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious universities. She also represented England and Great Britain in multiple sporting disciplines, demonstrating the competitive drive and discipline that would later help her succeed in military training. Her athletic background prepared her for some of the most demanding challenges she would face in the Armed Forces.
One of her most significant achievements came when she completed the notoriously difficult commando training program and earned the coveted green beret. In doing so, she became the only serving female Royal Navy Commando at the time. The accomplishment was especially notable because the training standards are identical for all candidates regardless of gender. Fisher herself spoke openly about the experience, emphasizing that every participant was expected to carry the same equipment, meet the same physical requirements, and pass the same tests.
During a break from her flying training, Fisher served as part of the United Kingdom’s response to the migrant crisis in the English Channel. Her role involved helping locate and recover boats in dangerous conditions, contributing to efforts aimed at preventing loss of life. The assignment reflected her willingness to take on demanding operational responsibilities beyond the cockpit.
NEW: Three UK Royal Navy personnel have died in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon.
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 3, 2026
Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at about 03:45 BST after a Merlin Mk4 crashed.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said the deaths happened during a… pic.twitter.com/OcJU6XNnss
At the time of the crash, Fisher was completing the final stages of her pilot training. The Ministry of Defence stated that she was on her final assessment and was due to receive her Pilot’s Wings later in June. Reaching that milestone would have marked another major achievement in a career already filled with notable accomplishments. Instead, her life was cut tragically short just as she stood on the threshold of a new chapter in military aviation.
Her family’s tribute highlighted the immense pride they felt in everything she had achieved. They spoke of the immeasurable void left by her death and the lasting impact she had on friends, colleagues, and family members. For many within the Royal Navy, Fisher represented a new generation of leaders whose determination and professionalism inspired others to pursue ambitious goals regardless of obstacles.
Chris Gayson and Owen Green: Dedicated Aviators with Promising Futures
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Petty Officer Owen Green also leave behind distinguished records of service and strong personal legacies. Though they were at different stages of their military careers, both men were regarded as highly skilled aviation professionals whose contributions strengthened the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities.
Chris Gayson, 42, joined the Royal Navy in September 2008 as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer after completing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Bath. His academic background and passion for aviation quickly translated into a successful military flying career. Over the years, he accumulated extensive experience operating military helicopters in a variety of challenging environments and operational settings.
His service included assignments with 845 Naval Air Squadron, where he flew Sea King Mk4 helicopters during deployments to Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan, and maritime operations at sea. These experiences exposed him to diverse missions and demanding conditions, helping establish him as one of the Royal Navy’s respected aviation professionals.
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Beyond his operational duties, Gayson played an important role in training future military pilots. Throughout his career, he instructed helicopter pilots from all three branches of the British Armed Forces, passing on valuable knowledge and helping develop the next generation of military aviators. His colleagues viewed him as a leader who combined technical expertise with a strong commitment to mentoring others.
His family described him as a kind and gentle family man who cared deeply for those closest to him. They also emphasized his passion for the Royal Navy and his unwavering dedication to his profession. These qualities earned him widespread respect among those who served alongside him. In recent years, Gayson’s career continued to progress. After joining Joint Aviation Command in 2023, he transitioned to the Commando Merlin helicopter and later became Operational Conversion Flight Commander with 846 Naval Air Squadron in July 2025.
The Ministry of Defence praised his exemplary leadership and professionalism, noting that his loss represents a significant blow to both the squadron and the wider Royal Navy. Petty Officer Owen Green, the youngest of the three victims at 24 years old, had already demonstrated exceptional promise during his relatively short military career. He joined the Royal Navy in 2022 and quickly established himself as a capable and dedicated aircrewman.
Green initially served as an aircrewman before progressing steadily through training and operational assignments. His commitment and hard work culminated in earning his Aircrewman Wings in June 2025, a major professional milestone that reflected his growing expertise and competence. Colleagues recognized him as someone with enormous potential and a bright future ahead.
His service included participation in several major military exercises, including operations conducted in extreme Arctic conditions. Working in such environments requires specialized skills, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that Green reportedly developed during his time in the Royal Navy. These experiences helped shape him into a valuable member of the Commando Helicopter Force.
Family members remembered Green as a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner. In their tribute, they spoke of the devastating impact of his death and the pride they felt in watching him achieve his lifelong ambition of serving in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman. They described him as someone whose kindness and warmth touched everyone he met and whose memory would remain forever in their hearts.
National Mourning and an Ongoing Investigation
The loss of Fisher, Gayson, and Green has prompted tributes from across the military, government, and royal circles. Senior commanders within the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force have spoken openly about the emotional impact of the tragedy. Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner described the deaths as a source of profound sadness throughout the aviation community. He emphasized that the three aviators were highly capable professionals whose contributions would be greatly missed.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of the Commando Helicopter Force, who called the incident a great tragedy and spoke of the lasting gap their deaths would leave within the organization. Defence Secretary John Healey also paid tribute to the crew, describing their deaths as devastating and praising their dedication to service. He noted that they embodied the best qualities of the Armed Forces and acknowledged the profound loss experienced by their families, friends, and colleagues.
Messages of condolence also came from senior national figures, including the Princess of Wales in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and the head of the Royal Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins. Their tributes reflected the national significance of the loss and the respect commanded by those who serve in Britain’s military aviation units.
As grieving families and colleagues continue to mourn, attention has also turned toward understanding what caused the accident. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch will conduct a detailed examination of the crash, while aviation authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Such investigations are essential not only for determining what happened but also for helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, however, the focus remains on remembering three lives dedicated to service. Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, and Petty Officer Owen Green represented different generations of Royal Navy personnel, yet they shared a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and duty. Their achievements, sacrifices, and contributions to the Royal Navy will continue to be remembered long after the investigation concludes, while their loss will be felt deeply by all who knew them and served alongside them.