Berkshire school tribute to helicopter crash naval commando

Britain’s only female Royal Navy Commando, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, died in a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crash during a training exercise near Okehampton, Devon, on Wednesday. She perished alongside Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, 42, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, all of whom were aboard the aircraft. The three crew members were based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, and the service described them as deeply capable and professional aviators and cherished members of the Commando Helicopter Force. The incident occurred while the unit was conducting routine training, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Fisher, raised in Surrey, attended Reading Blue Coat School in Berkshire, which said she had returned to speak to pupils in November 2024, inspiring them with humility, resilience and commitment to serving others. Head teacher Pete Thomas called her an exceptional young woman whose energy and courage left a lasting impression. She represented England in junior lacrosse and pole vault and competed for Great Britain in triathlon, embodying the school’s values in both military and sport. A book of condolence opened at St James's Chapel in Okehampton as the community mourns the loss of Fisher, Gayson and Green.