Three Royal Navy personnel died Wednesday when their Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise at Sourton Down, Devon, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. The deceased have been identified as Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, and Petty Officer Owen Green.

Lieutenant Fisher held the distinction of being Britain’s only female Royal Navy commando. She joined the Royal Navy in May 2019 and, after serving in a supporting role to a specialist maritime unit, successfully completed the rigorous 16-week All Arms Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. Her achievement placed her among a very small number of women to have accomplished the course and drew recognition from NATO.

In addition to her military career, Fisher appeared as a contestant on several ITV television programs. She had described her service as a “massive privilege and a huge honour to serve my country.”

The helicopter was destroyed when it crashed into a field during the exercise. The incident has prompted tributes from across the UK Armed Forces. Colonel Will Penkman, Commanding Officer of the Commando Helicopter Force, referred to the loss as a “tragedy” that leaves a “terrible gap” within their ranks and extended condolences to the families and friends of those killed.

Defence Secretary John Healey also paid tribute, emphasizing that the three were “dedicated and highly valued members” of their squadrons who “embodied the best of our Armed Forces.” The cause of the crash remains under investigation.