SPOKANE, Wash. – A pilot who died in a tragic helicopter crash in Texas on July 6 is from Spokane.
The crash in Ellis County, Texas, south of Dallas, killed both men on board. At this point, it is unclear what led to the crash.
One of the pilots was Erik Boyce, 37, from Spokane. Boyce was a valedictorian at University High School and was an experienced pilot.
Officials said he and another pilot were flying a Bell 525 helicopter. It was a prototype still being developed. About an hour into their flight, authorities said something wrong. While that is still under investigation we are getting a clearer pictures of who Boyce was.
His family said, “Erik was an incredibly humble man who always pointed to others who contributed to his success. His family, friends, commanding officers, and most importantly his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Boyce began his career as a Marine Corps Aviator. His family said he graduated first in his class - and went on to become a test pilot in the Marines. He eventually went to work for Bell, where according to his family, he died doing what he loved.
Boyce leaves behind a wife and 9-month-old daughter. A memorial for Boyce will be held in Spokane in August.
KREM 2 reached out to Bell but sometimes these investigations could take up to a year before they find out what caused the crash.