3 dead, including 2-year-old child, in helicopter crash in Louisiana

The Federal Aviation Administration investigates after a couple and their child die in a helicopter crash in southwest Louisiana.

The accident took place on Friday evening in Iowa Cityprompting local law enforcement, local firefighters and Louisiana State Police to respond to the scene, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory reported.

According to the FAA, a Robinson R44 the helicopter crashed around 21:00 on a country street in the city, about 60 miles directly west of Lafayette near Lake Charles.

Three people were on board, Rick Breitenfeldt, an FAA spokesman, told USA TODAY Monday morning.

A couple, a child killed in a helicopter crash on a country road

A man, a woman and a child died in the crash, Guillory KFDM-TV said, and the aircraft appeared to be a personal helicopter.

The sheriff identified the victims as Jared Savant, 50, his wife Tanya (Hollingsworth) Scholar35 years old, and their 2-year-old child, from 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 by Savant Auto in Kinder.

“This was a very tragic accident, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected,” Guillory said in a statement Monday. “I would like to express our gratitude to the members of the community who live in the area where the accident occurred. , without hesitation, provided on-site assistance until first responders arrived.”

It was not immediately known where the helicopter took off from or where it was going.

“It’s hard to believe that you two … 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 filled with pain, but you rejoice because your race is over and you are all victorious.”

“My promise is that I will do my best to cherish and love your daughter and grandchildren together as you would,” Andreas wrote. “I know you will watch from Heaven and guide them and me.”

Helicopter crash that killed parents, 2-year-old child under investigation

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the crash remained under investigation Monday by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.