Hillsborough County
David Gee, Sheriff
Tampa, FL
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News Releases are to be used for informational purposes only.
Information provided should not be relied upon for any type of legal action.
Release Number: 12-471
- For Immediate Release:
- Public Information Office of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- December 3, 2012
- Contact Person:
- Larry McKinnon : mckinno@hcso.tampa.fl.us
- 813/247-8094
Helicopter Crash
The pilot suffered fatal injuries.
- Friday
- November 30, 2012
- Time: 3:12 PM
- Tampa Bay just off Apollo Beach
Victim:
John Lawrence Ward
DOB: 11/22/1952
188 Barbados Avenue
Tampa, Florida
Details:
On November 30, 2012 at approximately 3:12 p.m., a Robinson R-22 helicopter was seen crashing in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay just off Apollo Beach. The helicopter left Tampa Bay Aviation out of Clearwater at 2:30 p.m.
On December 1, 2012 at approximately 9:30, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office divers recovered the body of Mr. Ward at the crash site of the helicopter. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine official cause of death. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Tampa Fire Rescue, US Coast Guard and Florida Wildlife Commission assisted with the investigation.
At this point, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will turn over the remaining portion of the investigation to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Traffic Safety Board.
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