Helicopter pilot’s last radio message before crash killed British newlyweds
Tributes have poured in for a newlywed British couple who tragically lost their lives alongside their pilot after a private helicopter plummeted from the sky and exploded on a Greek island on Monday (August 17). Alexander Cromie, 31, and his wife Marie Ebert, 30, were celebrating their honeymoon when the aircraft crashed and sparked a major fire in the Tholos area of the Aegean island of Sifnos.
Experienced pilot Giorgos Raikos, 55, who had completed thousands of flights, also died in the disaster. Audio footage from the final moments of the flight has raised fresh questions for investigators. Raikos radioed in moments before the crash to confirm he was preparing to land on the island's helipad.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
However, no distress call was made. The transmission went completely silent before the chopper suddenly spiralled, lost altitude, and plunged towards the ground.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the immediate explosion left those on board with no chance of survival. Authorities are now investigating whether the crash was triggered by a sudden medical emergency or a fatal mechanical breakdown.
Local residents suspect a technical failure, reporting unusual sounds coming from the rotor blades before the impact.
Manolis Fountoulakis, Deputy Mayor of Sifnos, said: "It probably had a mechanical failure in the air. This is because the propeller was doing something strange… it was making a very loud noise."
"I heard a loud noise and smelled something burnt. I went out straight away and saw thick black smoke billowing from the site. It appears that the pilot lost control before landing," another resident recalled. "It looks like he attempted to land but didn’t make it in time."
Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for the London-based couple. Mr Cromie was a vice president in private wealth solutions at asset management firm Blackstone. A spokesperson said: "We are shocked by the tragic passing of three people including our colleague Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, who were celebrating their honeymoon. Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."
Management consulting firm Bain & Company also expressed devastation over the loss of Ms Ebert, describing her as an "exceptional" and "deeply respected" team member.
A spokesperson added: "Marie Ebert was a much-loved member of our London team. She had an extraordinary future ahead of her. We are devastated. Our thoughts are with Marie’s family, with her husband Alex’s family, and with the friends and colleagues who are grieving them both."
The FCDO confirmed it is in contact with local Greek authorities and stands ready to support the grieving families.