Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives in Flagstaff During Active Shooter Response

Fri Feb 06 2026 00:01:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Department of Public Safety helicopter crashes in Flagstaff, Arizona, during a response to an active shooting incident, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and a paramedic trooper.

In a devastating turn of events, a helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety crashed while responding to an active shooter situation in Flagstaff on Wednesday night. Both the pilot and a trooper who served as a paramedic were killed in the crash. The incident has prompted an investigation by federal agencies. The shooter has been apprehended with non-fatal injuries, and thankfully, no other individuals were harmed.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A tragic incident unfolded in Flagstaff, Arizona, as a helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) crashed while providing assistance during an active shooter situation. The crash resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and a trooper who was qualified as a paramedic.

According to Sgt. Kameron Lee of the Flagstaff Police Department, the DPS helicopter was deployed to support local law enforcement and respond to the escalating situation on Wednesday night.

Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board, Lee stated. The identities of those who lost their lives have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation into the fatal crash will be carried out in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Emails seeking further information on the incident were sent to these agencies on Thursday.

The DPS Air Rescue Unit is specialized in handling various high-risk situations, including rescues in challenging environments such as mountains and bodies of water.

On a related note, the suspect involved in the shooting has been taken into custody with reported non-fatal gunshot wounds, and fortunately, no other injuries have been reported in connection to the incident.