NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – One of the Huntington Beach Police Department helicopters went down in the waters of neighboring Newport Beach Saturday evening, killing one officer and critically injuring the other, according to reports.
The Newport Beach Fire Department said the crash was first reported about 6:34 p.m. Details and circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain sparse as the investigation is underway, FOX 11 LA reported.
Nicholas Vella, 44, was identified as the officer who died when the helicopter went down in Newport Harbor. He was “truly dedicated to his job, who loved what he was doing,” Huntington Beach Police Chief Eric Parra said.
The critically injured officer was identified only as a 16-year veteran of the department, the station reported.
It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of HBPD. Officer Vella died this evening after our police helicopter, HB-1, crashed into the waters off Newport while responding to a call for service. (1 of 3) pic.twitter.com/mxulAf248Q
— Huntington Beach PD (@HBPoliceDept) February 20, 2022
Huntington Beach Police Department first confirmed the crash on Twitter about 7:20 p.m. local time, FOX reported.
“We can confirm that our police helicopter, HB1, crash landed in the Newport Beach area,” the message said. “Rescue efforts are underway & more information will be released when available.”
We can confirm that our police helicopter, HB1, crash landed in the Newport Beach area. Rescue efforts are underway & more information will be released when available.
— Huntington Beach PD (@HBPoliceDept) February 20, 2022
Dozens of witnesses saw the airship go down before the Newport Beach Fire Department responded.
The helicopter was visible between Lido Isle and the Balboa Peninsula, according, according to local reports.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct the investigation.
The scene in Newport Beach on Saturday night after a Huntington Beach police helicopter crashed. (Screenshot FOX 11 Los Angeles)
A rescue crew responds to the site of the crash. (Screenshot FOX 11 Los Angeles)
Vella leaves behind a wife and daughter, FOX 11 LA reported.
A procession was held Saturday night in his honor.
“This is a difficult night for all of us and I would ask for your prayers and support as we support our officers’ families,” Parra said.
UPDATE
HBPD reported the second officer has been released from the hospital.
