Monday, February 11, 2013

3 Die in Discovery Channel Helicopter Crash

Sunday morning, just outside of L.A.

By:

Three men died in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles early Sunday morning while filming a segment for a military-themed Discovery Channel television show. Pilot David Gibbs, 59, cinematographer Darren Rydstrom, 46, and 45-year-old Michael Donatelli, who is believed to be a former Special Forces officer, were killed.

The helicopter was operated by Eyeworks USA, the unnamed program's production company. It crashed around 3:40 a.m. at Polsa Rosa Ranch, a popular film spot. The Discovery Channel has since released a brief statement: 

A production company was shooting a show for Discovery Channel when this tragic accident occurred. We are all cooperating fully with authorities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.

Aviation officals are currently investigating the crash.

Want the latest news from the outdoors?   

More at Outside

Subscribe
to Outside
Now with
iPad Access

Magazine Cover

Plus 2 Outside Buyer's Guides included with your purchase!

GUIDES

Find the Best

Current Issue Outside Magazine

Subscribe and get a great deal! Two free Buyer's Guides plus a free GoLite Sport Bottle. Monthly delivery of Outside—your ultimate resource for today's active lifestyle. All that and big savings!

Free Newsletters

Dispatch This week's featured articles, reviews, and videos. Sent twice weekly.
News From the Field The most important breaking news from around the Web. Sent daily.
Gear of the Day The latest products, reviews, and editors' picks. Coming soon.
Outside Partners Outside-approved deals and special offers from select partners. Sent occasionally.

Ask a Question

Our gear experts await your outdoor-gear-related questions. Go ahead, ask them anything.

* We might edit your question for length or clarity. If it's not about gear, we'll just ignore it.