Riverside County Mid-Air Helicopter Crash Left Two Firefighters and Pilot with Fatal Injuries
Riverside County, CA (August 7, 2023) – Two firefighters, identified as Joshua Bischof (46) and Tim Rodriguez (44), and a contract pilot, Tony Sousa (55), sustained fatal injuries from a Riverside County mid-air helicopter crash near Cabazon. According to KTLA5, the accident occurred around 7:05 p.m. on Sunday.
A Riverside County mid-air helicopter crash involving two helicopters caused fatal injuries to two firefighters and a pilot near Cabazon.
Fire officials reported a Riverside County mid-air helicopter crash that resulted in losing all three crew members on board.
On Monday morning, Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed the identities of the fatal firefighters and the pilot in a Riverside County mid-air helicopter crash while responding to a brush fire near Cabazon.
Cal Fire confirmed the victims’ identities as California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Assistant Chief Joshua Bischof, 46, Cal Fire Capt. Tim Rodriguez, 44, and contract pilot Tony Sousa, 55.
The accident happened as Riverside County firefighters swiftly responded to a structure fire call in Cabazon around 6 p.m. PT on Sunday.
Subsequently, Cal Fire Southern Region Chief David Fulcher said the firefighting crews realized the fire had spread to the nearby grasslands.
Cal Fire dispatched helicopters and planes to the scene to respond to the fire. Unfortunately, Fulcher shared in a press conference that the two helicopters engaged in firefighting activities collided mid-air.
The crashed aircraft involved in the collision was a Bell 407 helicopter, responsible for observation and coordination during firefighting operations. On the other hand, the second helicopter, a Sikorsky S-64E, known as a Skycrane, executed a successful landing with two occupants on board.
Unfortunately, the collision sparked an additional four-acre fire.
Moreover, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Aviation Accident Investigator Eleazar Nepomuceno disclosed that a comprehensive team, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives, is currently evaluating the crash site.
Individuals with supplementary information regarding the incident may contact the agency via witness@ntsb.gov.
J&M Tip: An aviation accident might happen because of a malfunctioning aircraft part or the pilot’s lack of care. In such cases, you can initiate a personal injury lawsuit against the airline or the flight crew accountable for the incident.
Google Map of Helicopter Accident in Riverside County, CA
Personal Injury (Wrongful Death) Claims in Riverside County
In this case, the family members of Joshua Bischof, Tim Rodriguez, and Tony Sous in this Riverside County mid-air helicopter crash can have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. However, it can depend on the investigation’s findings. In addition, negligence by a person or business can contribute to an accident, which might have resulted in the death of a family member. If that is the case, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim and receive a big settlement.
Indeed, no amount of money will ever make up for the death of a loved one. However, receiving the maximum settlement and winning a judgment can give a sense of justice. Also, it can offer some peace of mind.
Do you have any legal questions about accidents? Get answers and common accident-related legal advice here:
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Indeed, nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a loved one. However, getting your rightful compensation is also important to help with recovery. Getting advice and guidance from experienced personal injury attorneys can help you pursue your case. For instance, Jacoby and Meyers has a team of the best lawyers for any car accident, wrongful death, or motorcycle accident cases in California, including Los Angeles, Riverside County, and Sacramento. Consulting a lawyer can help you get insight and information about complicated topics, including car accident settlements and more. If you’d like professional advice about your case, call us today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you.
Source(s):
- https://ktla.com/news/local-news/firefighters-pilot-killed-in-mid-air-helicopter-crash-in-riverside-county-identified/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/firefighting-helicopter-crash-mid-air-collision-riverside-county-california/
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/3-dead-firefighting-helicopter-crash-california-after-midair/story?id=102063948
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-07/ntsb-investigating-fatal-midair-collision-of-firefighting-helicopters
Jacoby & Meyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we express our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of Joshua Bischof, Tim Rodriguez, and Tony Sous.
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