3 dead, including toddler, in helicopter crash on rural street in Louisiana
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a couple and their toddler, died in a helicopter crash in southwest Louisiana.
The crash took place on Friday night in the town of Iowa, prompting local law enforcement, local firefighters and the Louisiana State Police to respond to the scene, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary "Stitch" Guillory reported.
According to the FAA, a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed about 9 p.m. on a rural street in the town, about 60 miles directly west of Lafayette near Lake Charles.
Three people were on board, Rick Breitenfeldt, a FAA spokesperson told USA TODAY on Monday morning.
Couple, infant killed in helicopter crash on rural street
A male, female and infant died in the crash, Guillory told KFDM-TV, and the aircraft appeared to be personal helicopter.
The sheriff identified the victims as Jared Savant, 50,his wife Tanya (Hollingsworth) Savant, 35, and their 2-year-old baby, of Kinder.
Kinder, a small town in Allen Parish, Louisiana, is about 20 miles north of where the helicopter went down.
According to his Facebook profile, Savant owned Savant Auto in Kinder.
“This was a very tragic accident, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected," Guillory released in a statement Monday. "I would like to extend our gratitude to the community members who live in the area where the crash occurred, without hesitation, they provided assistance at the scene until first responders arrived."
It was not immediately known where the helicopter took off from or where it was headed.
"It’s hard to believe that the two of you... and your gift from God, Romyn, are resting in the arms of our Great Savior tonight," family member Tim Andreas, posted on Facebook. "We are full of sorrow but you are rejoicing because your race is done and all of you are victorious."
"My promise to you is I will do my best to cherish and love your daughter and our grandchildren together like you would," Andreas wrote. "I know you will be watching from Heaven and guiding them and me."
Helicopter crash that killed parents, 2-year-old baby under investigation
No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation on Monday by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, who will head the investigation.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 dead, including 2-year-old, in Louisiana helicopter crash
