The three members of the Royal Navy who died after a Merlin helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon have been named.
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, sadly died following the incident in Sourton Down, near Okehampton, during the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June.
The Royal Navy today (4 June) confirmed their identities and said all three had dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country.
Lt Cdr Gayson, from Somerset, joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare Pilot Officer in September 2008 after completing a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath and working briefly as an accountant with Deloitte.
Having gained his wings in 2012, he went on to serve with 845 Naval Air Squadron flying the Sea King Mk4, including in Norway, Jordan and Afghanistan.
His career later saw him become Commando Helicopter Force Air Safety Officer before returning to the cockpit and instructing helicopter pilots across all three Armed Services.
In July 2025, he was selected to command the Operational Conversion Flight at 846 Naval Air Squadron.
The Royal Navy described him as an utmost professional whose leadership was exemplary. His family said:
“Chris was an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly.
“He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.”
Lt Fisher, from Surrey, grew up in Virginia Water and graduated from Imperial College London with a Master’s in Geology in 2016.
Sport played a major part in her life from a young age. She competed for her regional netball team and represented England in junior lacrosse and pole vault before later representing Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships.
After working as a geologist for British Petroleum, she commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2019. During her training, she completed the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando.
She went on to work as a Watch Keeper on Operation ISOTROPE, the UK military’s response to the Channel migrant crisis, helping to coordinate naval assets with the aim of preventing loss of life at sea.
Lt Fisher joined 846 Naval Air Squadron in 2025 and was due to be awarded her pilot’s wings in June 2026.
The Royal Navy said she had inspired countless people, particularly young women, and had a very bright future ahead of her as a naval aviator. Her family said:
“Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.
“We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”
Petty Officer Green, from Hampshire, joined the Royal Navy in January 2022 and began his initial training at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint.
He went on to serve as an Aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron and was described as a highly capable and dedicated member of the squadron.
During his short but remarkable career, he progressed quickly through the ranks, achieving Leading Hand status in September 2025 before earning his Aircrewman Wings.
He played a key role in major exercises and, during Operation Clockwork 26, accumulated the highest flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions.
The Royal Navy said he consistently demonstrated technical skill, operational effectiveness and a commitment to developing throughout his service. His family said:
“Losing Owen has left us all devastated. His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken.
“He was a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner to Iona, whom he loved and cherished.
“His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him. We are so proud of him achieving his life’s goal to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman and are grateful for the joy he brought into ours and Iona’s lives.
“He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever."
Commander of Joint Aviation Command, Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner RAF, said:
“The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular.
“They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”
Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, said:
“It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday. Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force.
“Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts and my thoughts go out to their family and friends who dearly loved them.”
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