A California police officer has died and one other critically was injured after the helicopter they have been touring in crashed in Orange County.

The Huntington Seashore Police Division confirmed that Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran on the power, was killed after the police helicopter HB-1 crashed into water simply off Newport Seashore at round 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 19.

One other officer who was within the helicopter, a 16-year veteran, was additionally taken to hospital in a essential situation following the crash.

It's unclear which of the 2 officers was piloting the helicopter on the time of the crash.

Talking at a press convention Saturday evening, Huntington Seashore Police Chief Eric Parra stated the helicopter crashed for "causes that we're not sure of."

Parra described Vella, 44, as an officer who was "actually devoted to his job that was doing what he cherished doing."

"This can be a tragedy that we're investigating," Parra stated. "This can be a tough evening for all of us. And I might ask to your prayers and your help as we help our officer's household and as we proceed to grieve by way of this."

Mayor Barbara Delgleize added on the press convention that this was "a heartbreaking time for all" in Huntington Seashore.

"This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the hazard and the dangers that our cops put themselves in every day to guard our neighborhood," Delgleize stated.

The Huntington Seashore Police Division confirmed that Officer Vella leaves behind a spouse and daughter.

"He served the neighborhood of Huntington Seashore with honor and dignity. Please be part of us in extending prayers to Officer Vella's household," the division wrote on social media.

"We need to thank the neighborhood and our legislation enforcement companions to your help throughout this tough time."

A procession was additionally held by native emergency companies in Huntington Seashore to pay respect for Officer Vella.

The incident is being investigated by the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) and the Orange County Sheriff's Division main accident reconstruction workforce. Each departments have been contacted for remark.

Additionally on Saturday, one other helicopter crashed into the ocean simply off the Miami Seashore coast in Florida.

Video from the scene reveals the helicopter plummeting into the ocean close to 10 Road at round 1:10 p.m. in entrance of a seaside filled with onlookers.

The Miami Seashore Police Division confirmed that two individuals who have been touring within the helicopter have been taken to a neighborhood hospital after the crash in a secure situation.

A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson informed Newsweek that the Robinson R44 helicopter crashed "beneath unknown circumstances."

officer Nicholas Vella
Huntington Seashore Police officer Nicholas Vella died because of accidents he sustained in a helicopter crash. Huntington Seashore Police Division