Two Killed When Emergency Helicopter Crashes in Pompano Beach

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on August 29, 2023

Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board officials in Broward County are currently investigating a fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two individuals and injured four others Monday morning in Pompano Beach.

According to reports from several responding law enforcement agencies, it was shortly after 8:30 a.m. on August 28, 2023, when three members of the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue were aboard the department’s emergency helicopter en route to an auto accident involving two victims.

At approximately 8:43 a.m., the helicopter started to experience a yet-to-be-determined mechanical issue which led to a fire on the aircraft. The three emergency responders attempted to extinguish the blaze, but the mechanical problems persisted and the helicopter began to spin out of control. It crashed through the roof of an apartment complex located near Atlantic Boulevard and North Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach, instantly killing a female resident.

Miraculously, two members of the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, 31-year-old paramedic Mikael Chaguaceda and 37-year-old pilot Daron Roche, managed to survive the helicopter crash. They were both taken to Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach with non-life-threatening injuries and have been listed in fair condition.

Two civilians also sustained minor injuries during the deadly incident. They were on the ground when the accident occurred and were also taken to the hospital for treatment.

The third man aboard the helicopter, 50-year-old Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Capt. Terryson Jackson, died at the scene. He was a 19-year veteran of the department. “Terryson was a rock star, he was one of the best of us. He bled this profession inside and out all day long,” said Sheriff Gregory Tony in a statement to local media outlets.

The entire fleet of emergency aircraft used by the Broward Sheriff’s Office has been grounded until they have all been re-inspected.

Since 1977, Florida wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has compassionately represented families who have lost a loved one as the result of an aviation accident. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a contact form on our website or call our office directly at 877-FL-INJURY.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.