Military

Sheriff’s Office Helicopter Crashes in New Mexico, No Survivors

July 18, 2022Carl Prine
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office's Metro 2 helicopter went down outside of Las Vegas,  New Mexico, at roughly 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, while conducting wildfire operations, including bucket drops and providing air logistics to ground crews.  Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office photo.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office's Metro 2 helicopter went down outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico, at roughly 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, while conducting wildfire operations, including bucket drops and providing air logistics to ground crews. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office photo.

A Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crash in New Mexico has claimed the lives of four first responders.

The Metro 2 helicopter went down outside of Las Vegas at roughly 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, while conducting wildfire operations, including bucket drops and providing air logistics to ground crews.

Investigators believe the helicopter was returning to Albuquerque after battling the East Mesa Fire.

There were no survivors.

New Mexico crash

On July 16, 2022, at approximately 7:20 pm, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter known as Metro 2 crashed just outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico. There were no survivors. Clockwise from left: Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Rescue Specialist Matthew King (Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue), and Deputy Michael Levison. Coffee or Die Magazine composite.

In a prepared statement released late Sunday, sheriff’s officials identified the dead crewmen as Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Rescue Specialist Matthew King, a member of Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue.

The New Mexico State Police and other local, state, and federal agencies are probing the accident.

Read Next: Kodiak Rescuers Land on Island Where Bear Mauled US Navy SEAL

Carl Prine
Carl Prine

Carl Prine is a former senior editor at Coffee or Die Magazine. He has worked at Navy Times, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He served in the Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His awards include the Joseph Galloway Award for Distinguished Reporting on the military, a first prize from Investigative Reporters & Editors, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved