1 Officer Dead, 1 Injured After Huntington Beach Police Helicopter Crashes In Newport

[SloMo26]

Please say a prayer for Huntington Beach Police Officer / Pilot Nicholas Vella, his family, friends and all of my brothers and sisters in blue at Huntington Beach PD. Please also say a prayer for the unnamed Huntington Beach Police Officer / observer who is in critical condition after this crash

1 Officer Dead, 1 Injured After Huntington Beach Police Helicopter Crashes In Newport

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) ? A Huntington Beach Police Department helicopter crashed into the water in Newport Beach Saturday in front of dozens of witnesses lining the beach. One officer was killed, while the other was left in critical condition.

It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of HBPD. Officer Vella died this evening after our police helicopter, HB-1, crashed into the waters off Newport while responding to a call for service. A second officer was injured and is in stable condition. Officer Vella leaves behind a wife and daughter. He served the community of Huntington Beach with honor and dignity. Please join us in extending prayers to Officer Vella?s family. We want to thank the community and our law enforcement partners for your support during this difficult time.?

Officer Vella