By Agrippina Fadel
A Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue helicopter crashed this morning after an engine failure near North Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, killing one of the paramedics on board and a resident on the ground.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony confirmed the deaths of Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Captain Terryson Jackson and an adult female civilian resident, both pronounced deceased on the scene.
Jackson, 50, has been with BSO for 19 years. As a flight paramedic, he impacted the community daily, providing critical patients with the highest pre-hospital care.
“Terryson was a rock star. He was one of the best of us, one of the brightest,” Sheriff Tony said. “He bled this profession inside and out, all day long. The type of effort and commitment he had for this community – impeccable. We’re going to suffer. We’re going to hurt, but this community should know that we’re prepared to answer the next call.”
According to BSO officials, three people were onboard the crashed helicopter.
Daron Roche, 37, and Mikael Chaguaceda, 31, escaped the fiery crash and were transported to Broward Health North with injuries that were not life-threatening. Two civilians from the apartment building affected by the collision were also transported to the hospital and are listed in fair condition.
The helicopter crew was on their way to a traffic crash with injuries in North Lauderdale. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot of EC 135 Eurocopter attempted to return to the Pompano Beach Airpark, but the aircraft sustained an in-flight emergency and crashed into a small apartment building east of North Dixie Highway and just south of Northeast 10th Street.
Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) said the thoughts of everyone in Florida are with those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
“During this difficult time for Broward County, we must remember the importance of community and come together to provide support for the families and friends who lost their loved ones. In the coming days, Broward County must carry out a full investigation into this tragedy so future lives are not at risk,” he said.
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