Tragedy in Kentucky: Medical Helicopter Crash Claims Three Lives

In a sad turn of events, a medical helicopter crashed in Owenton, Kentucky, killing three people. The crash happened near Kentucky Highway 22 East on Monday evening. The helicopter, a Bell 206, struck a guy-wire and then crashed, causing a fire. The pilot and two cabin crew members lost their lives. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) described the damage to the helicopter as substantial. The Kentucky State Police identified the victims as Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken, and James Welsh. Witnesses heard a loud noise and saw a large emergency response team rush to the scene. Jay Thomas, who was working nearby, shared videos of the response. He expressed his sympathy for the families affected. Air Evac Lifeteam, the company that operated the helicopter, confirmed the fatalities. They expressed their deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the crew members. The company is cooperating with the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation. The NTSB plans to release a preliminary report within 30 days and a final report in 12-24 months. They're asking anyone with information to contact them. The crash also caused a brief power outage for some customers in the area, which was quickly restored.