PMRF contracted helicopter crash victims identified

LIHU‘E — The four people who died during a Tuesday helicopter crash at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands have been identified.

Croman Corp., an Oregon-based helicopter company, reported that all crew members were killed during a range training operation shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The victims are chief pilot Daniel Maurice, 64; command pilot Patrick Rader, 55; and mechanics Erika Tevez-Valdez, 42, and Matthew Haider, 44.

Rader, Tevez-Valdez and Haider were Kaua‘i residents. Maurice lived in Lyle, Washington.

“PMRF is a close community, and we mourn the loss of four of our ‘ohana,” the base said in a statement. “Counseling services are available to all on base who have been affected by the event. The Military and Family Support Center’s Emergency Family Assistance Center is available on PMRF to assist anyone impacted by the aircraft mishap with a variety of community needs.”

The Emergency Family Assistance Center includes clinicians, chaplains and referrals, the base said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will conduct investigations. PMRF will provide support as the investigation progresses.

Haider was originally from Springfield, Oregon, and lived on Kaua‘i for two years with his wife, said his mother, Penny Haider. He had two children from a previous marriage, she told The Associated Press.

“Matt was a very action-oriented type of person,” she said. “Even though this work was intense, he thrived on that intensity.”

Croman Corp. has provided commercial air support service to the Navy at PMRF since 2007.

Investigators with the FAA, NTSB and Navy arrived Wednesday.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were lost this morning in this heartbreaking tragedy,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said Tuesday.

“I know there are no words that can express the extent of what you are going through or provide the solace that you need, but please know that our entire community is here for you.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.