Helicopter Pilot Dies After Crashing in Reservoir While Fighting Raging Wildfire

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis described the man as a “a heroic firefighting aviation pilot who gave his life while protecting Coloradans from the Gold Mountain Fire”

NEED TO KNOW Helicopter pilot Nicholas Dale died in a crash while fighting Colorado's Gold Mountain Fire on July 12 Dale was honored by first responders with a procession as the wildfire continues to burn thousands of acres The crash is under investigation by the NTSB and FAA as officials honor Dale's heroic sacrifice A man has been identified after he tragically died in a crash while fighting a Colorado fire. The helicopter pilot was identified as 56-year-old Nicholas Dale of Sooke, British Columbia, Canada, according to releases from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and the Gunnison County Sheriff's Office (GCSO).

The GCSO said he had been in a K-MAX helicopter engaging in "wildfire suppression efforts in support of the Gold Mountain Fire" when the chopper went down and crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir at around 5:17 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 12. Dale had been the sole occupant of the helicopter; he and the chopper were both recovered from the water on Sunday evening. His body was then transferred to the Gunnison County Coroner's Office.

The GCSO said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash, and no additional details were made available about the cause of the crash. "The Gunnison Sheriff's Office offers its deepest condolences to Mr. Dale's family, friends, and fellow wildfire-fighting personnel during this incredibly difficult time," the GCSO said in a statement. Gov. Polis also released a statement saying that his office was "heartbroken" by the "loss of Nicholas Dale," whom he described as "a heroic firefighting aviation pilot who gave his life while protecting Coloradans from the Gold Mountain Fire."

"Our state is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters, pilots, and first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep our communities safe. My heart is with Nicholas' family, friends, colleagues, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss," he added. On Monday, July 13, first responders, including police and firemen, honored Dale with a procession.

Videos shared by the Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) showed the crowd saluting as a vehicle with Dale's body passed by. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The GJFD said on the same day that the Gold Mountain Fire "continues to challenge firefighters in rugged terrain."

The department said the fire has "burned more than 35,000 acres" and is "13% contained." The department said that hundreds of firefighters and other personnel are continuing to fight the Gold Mountain Fire. "Please keep this pilot's loved ones, the firefighting community, and everyone working on the Gold Mountain Fire in your thoughts," the GJFD said.

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