Local News
One victim killed in Houston helicopter crash identified as Cesar Lerma
One of the four victims who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash that occurred Sunday night in Houston has been identified as Cesar Lerma.
Lerma was a passenger on the National Helicopter Solutions helicopter, which was conducting a night tour over the city.
Garrett Kauffman, a colleague and competitor, shared his condolences and expressed his admiration for Lerma’s skills as a craftsman.
Kauffman described Lerma as a master of his craft, highlighting his recent contribution to a project by removing panels from RTS cabinets to allow for the installation of glass.
Kauffman praised Lerma’s exceptional craftsmanship and his ability to create custom cabinets that exceeded his expectations.
He expressed regret for not having been a better friend to Lerma and fondly remembered his patience and gentle personality.
Lerma is survived by his two sons, who are believed to have joined him in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Kauffman will miss Lerma and cherish the memories they shared.
A tragic helicopter crash occurred near Engelke and Ennis in Houston at approximately 7:54 PM, according to the Houston Fire Department.
During a media briefing, Mayor John Whitmire confirmed that the crash claimed the lives of four individuals, including a child.
The helicopter, an R44 private aircraft, was traveling from Ellington Airport.
Mayor John Whitmire, HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz, HPD Chief Noe Diaz, and DPS officials gathered for a press conference following the incident.
Mayor Whitmire commended the rapid response of the HFD, noting that a nearby fire station was able to reach the scene within minutes.
The fire caused by the crash burned approximately 100 to 200 yards of grass near the radio tower. However, the fire was successfully extinguished, and there is no threat to the community.
Officials are urging residents to avoid touching any debris from the helicopter and to immediately call 911 if they discover any components.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the HFD, and the HPD are investigating the cause of the crash.
It is important to note that the radio tower’s lights had been reported as inoperable on October 16th.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.