FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, October 12, to pay tribute to three members of an Air Evac Lifeteam killed in a helicopter crash this past Monday in Owenton. The crew, consisting of 66-year-old pilot Gale “Butch” Alleman Jr.,…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, October 12, to pay tribute to three members of an Air Evac Lifeteam killed in a helicopter crash this past Monday in Owenton.
The crew, consisting of 66-year-old pilot Gale “Butch” Alleman Jr., 40-year-old flight nurse Bethany Aicken, and 29-year-old flight paramedic James Welsh, tragically lost their lives when their helicopter collided with a guy wire while en route to pick up a patient, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Memorial and funeral services are scheduled to honor the fallen heroes. Aicken’s memorial service will be held Saturday evening at Hardy Funeral Home in Louisville, and Welsh’s funeral will take place Saturday morning at Immanuel Baptist Church in Cold Springs. Alleman’s service will be conducted in Michigan at a later date.
Governor Beshear has encouraged all private individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies in Kentucky to participate in this day of mourning. More details on the flag status can be found on the governor’s official website.