A helicopter has plunged into a river in New York City, killing 40-year old British woman Sonia Marra and critically injuring two other people, including her Algarve-based mother.
Aboard the helicopter were four passengers – Sonia, her mother Harriet Nicolson, step-father Paul Nicholson and friend Helen Tamaki.
Witnesses described how the privately owned Bell 206 aircraft spun out of control after take-off and fell into the East River near 34th Street in midtown Manhattan.
It is still not clear what caused the crash.
Sonia Marra was recovered by rescue workers and pronounced dead at the scene.
She was trapped inside the back of the helicopter as it sank about 50 feet (15.2m) below the surface of the water, police said.
The group were on a family holiday in the city and the flight was organised to celebrate Sonia’s 40th birthday.
Ms Tamaki, believed to be a New Zealander, and Harriet Nicholson were seriously injured in the crash and are in a critical condition.
Paul Dudley, the 56-year-old pilot, and Paul Nicholson have been released from hospital.
The Foreign Office said: “We can confirm that three British nationals were involved in the helicopter crash in New York City. One of them has died in the crash and the next of kin have been informed. We are providing consular assistance.”
Paul Nicholson is a regular member of the Olhanense Expat Supporters Group and both he and Harriet were in the 80-strong party that visited Madeira earlier this year.
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