Tributes to dad-of-two killed after helicopter crashed into building

The helicopter pilot who died after crashing into a farm building has been named as dad-of-two Niall Crosby.

The 46-year-old and his co-pilot died after crashing into a piggery building close to the village of Killucan in Co Westmeath, Ireland, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is investigating the circumstances of the crash and is asking anyone with footage of the incident to send it to them.

Niall, originally from Straffan in Co Kildare, was an IT consultant, who was married to wife Jillian and had two sons.

He had spent most of his working life in London, but had recently returned with his family to Ireland to raise their children.

His family, describing an ‘extraordinarily difficult 24 hours’, paid tribute to Niall, saying he is ‘sadly missed by his loving wife Jillian (née Kee) and his adored children Thomas and Robin’.

The family statement added: ‘He is mourned by his parents Frank and Thérèse, his brothers Brian, Eamon and Kevin, Jillian’s parents Jack and Jean and his extended family including Layla, Emma, Jim, Erik, Nigel, Jayne, David and his nephews and nieces Max, Martha, Oscar, Callum, Harry, Hugo, William, Naomi and Louisa.

‘He will be deeply missed by his wide circle of friends, relations, work colleagues, clients and professional peers.

‘Niall’s family would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with their condolences over the past extraordinarily difficult 24 hours.

‘They would like to particularly thank the first responders and the various authorities who have been so understanding and professional.

‘And they would like to especially thank the local communities of Killucan and Raharney for their thoughts and prayers.’

The family also added they are keeping ‘a special thought’ for Niall’s co-pilot and his family.

The co-pilot, also in his 40s and thought to be from eastern Europe, has not yet been identified publicly and Gardaí said they may contact Interpol to track down his next of kin.

An AAIU spokesperson said: ‘he AAIU would be grateful for the assistance of members of the public who may have photos or video of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.