The Royal Navy has bid a solemn farewell to the three crew members from RNAS Yeovilton who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a training exercise near Okehampton, Devon, on June 3.
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, from Somerset, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, from Surrey, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, from Hampshire were laid to rest at the Royal Navy Cemetery at The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church in Yeovilton, close to their home base. Their passing has left families, friends, and colleagues deeply mourning the loss of these dedicated service members.
The Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton expressed ongoing sympathy and support for the bereaved families more than a month after the tragedy. Heartfelt tributes from their loved ones highlight the profound impact the three had on those around them.
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Chris Gayson was remembered by his family as “an extremely kind and gentle family man” who held a deep passion and commitment to his Royal Navy career. Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher’s family described her as “an extraordinary woman” who embraced life with boundless energy, inspiring everyone she met and continuously striving to surpass her limits. They emphasized the immense void her loss has created in their lives.
Petty Officer Owen Green’s family conveyed the profound grief left in the wake of his passing. They honored his warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family and partner, Iona. Owen’s dream was to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman, and his family is proud of his dedication and the happiness he brought to those around him.
As the service community continues to remember these fallen heroes, their legacies endure through the lives they touched and the sacrifices they made in service to their country.