The pilot who died in a helicopter crash while involved in fighting a wildfire in Colorado was honored in a highway memorial procession that crossed much of the state this week.

The pilot, 56-year-old Nicholas Dale from Sooke, British Columbia, was the only person on board and was killed in the crash.

Dale was a federal contracted fire aviation pilot flying for Helicopters Express LLC, a Georgia-based company with a fleet of helicopters used for firefighting and heavy-lifting operations. The helicopter was a Kaman K-1200.

The Federal Aviation Administration released an early, short statement that provided little detail on the circumstances of the incident:

“A Kaman Aerospace K-1200 crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir in Gunnison, Colorado, around 5:10 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 12, during firefighting operations. Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”

A CPR News report quotes a Federal Aviation Administration comment that the incident occurred under “unknown circumstances” and that the helicopter became “inverted” in the reservoir.

Helicopter Express shared the loss of their colleague on social media with this post:

“Yesterday, while conducting firefighting operations on the Gold Mountain Fire, our pilot, Nicholas Dale, was involved in an accident at the dip site while flying one of our Kaman K-1200 K-MAX N40HX. Tragically, Nick did not survive.

This is a heartbreaking loss for everyone at Helicopter Express and throughout the aerial firefighting community. Nick’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.”

Governor Jared Polis said state flags will fly at half-staff on Dale’s memorial date to honor his bravery and sacrifice.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Nicholas Dale, a heroic firefighting aviation pilot who gave his life while protecting Coloradans from the Gold Mountain Fire. Our state is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters, pilots, and first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe.”

Dale is the fourth firefighter killed battling Colorado wildfires in the past month.

The Gold Mountain Fire, which began on June 27, 2026, has burned over 38,000 acres and is now around 24 percent contained. The fire has prompted evacuations in several counties and has 909 personnel actively fighting the blaze today. The fire is burning mainly in high elevations in continuous mixed conifer stands. The steep and rugged terrain has limited the use of direct extinguishment.

Meanwhile, with a National Preparedness Level now at 5, the National Interagency Fire Center reports 72 large fires across the US, with 20,939 firefighters and support engaged in fire fighting activities, including 1127 engines and 125 helicopters.

So far this year, 40,989 fires have burned more than 3.9 million acres across the United States.