Authorities identify 5 killed in NYC helicopter crash

NEW YORK — Police on Monday identified five victims who were killed when a helicopter crashed into New York City’s East River on Sunday night. Investigators say a strap from a passenger’s safety harness may have inadvertently wrapped around a fuel shut-off lever, resulting in engine failure which sent the aircraft plunging into the frigid water.

The pilot, who was the only survivor, is identified as 33-year-old Richard Vance of Danbury, Connecticut, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The FAA reports he is a certified helicopter pilot and instructor.

Vance was able to unbuckle himself from the sinking helicopter and was rescued by a tugboat. Emergency divers had to remove the five passengers from tight safety harnesses while they were upside down in the water, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

The Eurocopter AS350 helicopter had been chartered for a photo shoot, according to CBS New York.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash.

Here is a list of the helicopter crash victims:

Trevor Cadigan, 26

Trevor Cadigan was a video journalist who lived in Dallas, Texas. He had recently worked as an intern at Business Insider in New York City.

“He was a smart, talented and ambitious young journalist and producer who was well-liked and made a big contribution,” the news site said in a statement.

In 2016, Cadigan graduated from Southern Methodist University. He previously freelanced with an entertainment and culture site that was managed by the Dallas Morning News. He also interned with ABC News affiliate WFAA-TV where his father, Jerry, was the station’s production manager.

Brian McDaniel, 26

Brian McDaniel, a fire rescue officer who lived in Dallas, was in New York City visiting his friend Trevor Cadigan. McDaniel had been with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department since May 2016.

“Despite his short tenure, hearts are heavy with grief,” the department said in a statement.

Tristian Hill, 29

The New York Times reports Tristian Hill was one of three brothers raised in Reno, Nevada. His brother Brendan told the paper Hill was engaged to be married.

Carla Vallejos Blanco, 29

Carla Vallejos Blanco was tourist visiting from Argentina, according to the country’s consulate.

Daniel Thompson, 34

A law enforcement official told The New York Times that Thompson worked for the helicopter tour company that operated the aircraft.