Two people who died after a helicopter crashed into a field in North Yorkshire on Monday have been named as local man Ian Macdonald, 66, and 16-year-old German national Admarsu Birhan, North Yorkshire Police said.
Birhan had been living with a nearby family for the last three months, according to locals.
The force said the incident happened off Bentham Road near Burton in Lonsdale shortly before midday yesterday.
A fresh police statement said: “The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash near Burton in Lonsdale continues.
The helicopter crashed into a field in North Yorkshire yesterday
Twitter/Bezberesford
“We can now provide the names of those who we believe to be the two people who sadly died in the crash.
“We believe they were local man 66-year-old Ian Macdonald and 16-year-old Admarsu Birhan, a German national.
“Formal identification is yet to take place.”
Tributes have been paid to the pair, including from Craven district councillor Stuart Handley, who said Mr Macdonald was well-liked in the village.
He said: “My condolences go to the family of Ian Macdonald and also the German exchange student’s family.
“Ian hadn’t been living in the village for a very long time but he made himself very well known within the community.
“He was a very well-liked person within the village.”
The A65 was closed yesterday following the incident
Kim Pilling
He added: “He would call me up if I saw him out and about and I’d go and have a word with him.
“Or in the shop if he was having a coffee or a pint down the local.
“He fitted in well.”
In a statement released after the incident yesterday, police said: “A full investigation is under way into the cause of a helicopter crash near Ingleton.
“Two people were sadly killed as a result of the crash. Their families are being supported by specially trained officers.
"There was not believed to be anyone else on board the helicopter.
“There is a full road closure at the A65 and at the junction of Bentham Moor Road.
“People are urged to continue to avoid the area. We thank local residents for their patience and co-operation.”
