WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. -
A news helicopter, operated by an ABC Owned Television Station in Philadelphia, crashed on December. 19, 2023 in a wooded area in Washington Township, New Jersey.
The crash claimed the lives of both a pilot and a photographer. They were both returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore and had been members of the news team for years, according to WPVI.
The pilot, 67-year-old Monroe Smith, and the photographer, 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty both lost their lives in the crash. Christopher Dougherty was a Kutztown University graduate.
WPVI photographer Chris Dougherty and pilot Monroe Smith were killed in a helicopter crash on Dec. 19, 2023. - Photo courtesy WPVI
On Tuesday evening at 10:50 pm, the New Jersey State Park Service received reports that the helicopter was missing, said George Fedorczyk, chief of the New Jersey State Park Police. At 12:02 a.m., an officer found a debris field, he said.
A news helicopter, operated by an ABC Owned Television Station in Philadelphia, crashed Dec. 19, 2023 in a wooded area in southern New Jersey.
Photo courtesy WPVI
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy offered condolences on social media on Wednesday.
The NTSB is investigating and says an initial report will come in 30 days.
U.S. Helicopters released a statement that says the crew on board were "beloved" long-time employees of the company.