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Brian McDaniel, a Dallas firefighter at Station 36, was among the five people who were killed when a helicopter crashed into New York City’s East River on Sunday night.
What happened?
The pilot and sole survivor, Richard Vance, could be heard saying “Mayday, mayday, mayday” during the crash on Sunday during an emergency radio transmission; the person at the other end of the transmission reportedly could not make out what the pilot was saying.
The pilot reportedly blamed the crash on engine failure; the pilot himself managed to free himself from the helicopter and was rescued by a tugboat. Emergency divers had to remove the passengers from tight harnesses within the vehicle, which was knocked upside-down under the water. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation over the crash to find more information.
Who is Brian McDaniel?
McDaniel is believed to be a Dallas firefighter. The other victims were identified as video journalist Trevor Cadigan, tourist Carla Vallejos Blanco and helicopter employees Tristan Hill and Daniel Thompson, according to New York Daily News.
McDaniel’s 26-year-old brother, Json, confirmed that his brother died in the crash:
“He loved his job, loved his friends and family and loved adventure.”
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
