Houston helicopter crash: Family files wrongful-death lawsuit, seeks $50 million

HOUSTON – The families of Cesar Lerma, Marie Alonso and their nine-year-old son, Dylon Lerma, they filed a wrongful death lawsuit following a fatal helicopter crash on October 20.

According to earlier reports, the family was touring downtown Houston in a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter operated by National Helicopter Solutions when the helicopter collided with a radio tower owned by SBA Communications. The crash killed the pilot, Samantha Grandbouche, and all three family members on board.

Represented by attorneys Randy Sorrels and Tom Stilwell of Sorrels Law, the families are seeking $50 million in damages. “The families of Cesar, Marie and Dylon are devastated and are looking for both answers and accountability,” said firm partner Randy Sorrels. “We hope this lawsuit will answer many unanswered questions, bring about changes in air safety, and prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.”

The suit names SBA Communications, National Helicopter Solutions, the pilot and the helicopter’s owner, Porter Equipment Holding, LLC, as defendants. Initial investigations are ongoing, with the NTSB recently releasing a preliminary report that still does not explain the cause of the crash. The document also alleges that SBA Communications posted an ad for their radio tower, noting that “obstruction lights on the tower were not operational.”

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Both families expressed their grief at the loss of their loved ones and remembered Cesar, Marie and Dylon as a devoted family with an enduring spirit. Cesar’s family described him as a devoted father and loving brother, while Marie’s family called her a loving mother who cherished raising her son. Together, the families remembered young Dylon as a bright and creative child who loved to draw and climb.

Family members originally scheduled for the tour were forced to cancel due to illness, narrowly avoiding the tragic accident.