TV Meteorologist Jason Myers and helicopter pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives today in a crash that occurred along I-77 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The helicopter they were in, nicknamed “Sky 3”, was regularly used for newscasts at their North Carolina television station, WBTV.
In a statement shared with the media, WBTV News wrote, “The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss. Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board. Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”
“Tragically there are two people who will not be going home and spending the holidays with their loved ones. I ask that we pray for the families,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a press conference about the crash this afternoon.
Jennings added that he believed the pilot acted heroically, maneuvering the ill-fated helicopter away from crashing into traffic on I-77. The helicopter crashed alongside the southbound lanes of the highway, near the Nations Ford Road exit. The NTSB is currently investigating the crash; the FAA said the helicopter involved in the crash was a Robinson R44 .
Myers went to North Carolina State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in meteorology. He started his broadcast career at KRBC-TV in Abilene, Texas. From there, he went to work for WRIC-TV in Richmond in Virginia. Prior to working at WBTV, Myers was the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 36 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Myers leaves behind his wife and four children.
Tayag joined WBTV five years ago, bringing with him more than 15 years piloting experience. According to WBTV News, Tayag had flown the WBTV helicopter for over 2,000 hours and had accumulated over 3,700 total flight hours.
I’m so sad for the families of the Charlotte meteorologist and pilot from WBTV who were killed in helicopter crash off Interstate 77.
I’m sending love to all their friends and family. https://t.co/H9xJQQQcX6 pic.twitter.com/h3HHkL6S40
— Christy Clark (@ChristyClarkNC) November 22, 2022
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Tweeted, “This is a terrible tragedy for the WBTV family and we are praying for them and all of those in the media who work so hard to keep the public informed.”
