A lineman from southern Illinois and pilot from Missouri have been identified as the two people who died Thursday in a helicopter crash on the Mississippi River.
St. Louis media reported that the St. Charles County Regional Medical Examiner’s office released the names of the victims Friday. They were Michael “Cody” Curry, 37, of Ashley, Illinois, and Nicholas Fulton, 35, of Salem, Missouri.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. Thursday on the Missouri side of the river near Alton. The helicopter struck power lines, fell onto a barge and caught fire, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson, who spoke to reporters at the scene.
The helicopter was being used to transport crews performing work on the power lines, according to media reports. Curry and Fulton were contractors for Ameren. They were repairing and replacing tower lighting and marker balls, which make the wires visible to aircraft pilots.
“We are saddened about today’s tragic incident,” Ameren said in a written statement to reporters on Thursday. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues. We will cooperate with the investigation.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
The helicopter involved in the crash was registered to Excel Helicopters in Salem, Missouri, according to reporting by KSDK, which cited information from the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Excel Helicopters’ website states that Fulton and his father started the business together in 2015.
J.F. Electric in Edwardsville issued a public statement identifying one of the victims as an employee.
“Our thoughts are with their loved ones, colleagues, and all those affected by this loss,” J.F. Electric wrote in the statement from Thursday. “We are providing support to our employees, including on-site grief counseling, and remain focused on caring for our team during this difficult time. J.F. Electric is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their review of the incident.”
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency also released a statement expressing its condolences.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of those whose lives were tragically cut short while on the job yesterday, including Michael C. Curry of Ashley, Illinois, a member of IBEW Local 702,” the local emergency management agency stated. “This is a painful reminder of just how dangerous this work can be. The men and women who keep our communities powered, connected, and running put themselves in harm’s way every day, often in hazardous conditions and unforgiving environments.
“We stand with Michael’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the IBEW, as well as the loved ones of the other worker lost, during this difficult time. Our community grieves with you, and we honor the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve in these essential roles.”
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