Westmeath helicopter crash victim will be “deeply missed”

One of two men killed in a helicopter crash in County Westmeath has been named as Niall Crosby.

Mr Crosby – who had been living in Glenageary, Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland – was in his 40s.

A family spokesperson said he would be “deeply missed” by his family and “wide circle of friends, colleagues [and] clients”.

Originally from Straffan in County Kildare, in the Republic of Ireland, the IT consultant, who was described as an “entrepreneur”, spent much of his working life in London.

He and his wife, Jillian, had recently returned to Dublin to raise their family

The crash happened at a rural farm near Killucan, County Westmeath, in the Republic of Ireland, at about15:30 BST on Tuesday.

“Niall’s family would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with their condolences over the past extraordinarily difficult 24 hours,” a spokesperson for his family said.

Thanking “first responders and the various authorities” for their understanding and professionalism, Mr Crosby’s family said they were especially thankful to “the local communities of Killucan and Raharney for their thoughts and prayers”.

They added: “We also have a special thought for Niall’s co-pilot and his family at this tragic time.”

Gardaí (Irish police) have said that formal identification of the co-pilot, who is from Eastern Europe, has taken place.

Meanwhile, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) – which is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash – are appealing for any witnesses who may have photos or videos of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan on Tuesday afternoon to contact them.

It is anticipated that a preliminary report by the AAIU will be published within a month, according to Ireland’s state broadcaster, RTÉ.

The Republic’s Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, also sent his condolences to the families of both men.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Ryan said: “We were informed straight away yesterday and the air investigation unit went up straight away.

“So obviously they have to carry out their job and it’s a terrible tragedy.”