Former MCAS Yuma officer dies in helicopter crash in Flagstaff

(KYMA) - A former operations officer at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma was one of two people killed in a law enforcement helicopter crash in Flagstaff.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the pilot as Robert B. Skankey and the DPS paramedic trooper on board as Hunter R. Bennett.

Skankey served at MCAS Yuma for three years, beginning in 2007 as director of safety, according to his LinkedIn.  He's survived by his wife and four children.

Bennett joined Arizona DPS in 2022, and was nationally certified as a paramedic. He graduated from Arizona State University and is survived by his wife, who was his high school sweetheart.

Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff to honor both AZ DPS crew members who lost their lives in the line of duty.

From sunrise on February 7 until sunset on February 8, flags will be lowered to half staff in remembrance of them.

Governor Hobbs issued the following statement, “this is a devastating loss for Arizona and for the aviation and law enforcement community. I’m sending my deepest condolences to these heroes’ families, loved ones, and colleagues.”