Nicholas Dale, a 56-year-old pilot from Sooke, British Columbia, died on Monday, July 14, 2026, when his helicopter crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir while combating the Gold Mountain wildfire in Colorado. Dale was the sole occupant of the Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter, which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported crashed under unknown circumstances and became inverted.

Divers later recovered Dale's body from the submerged aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.

Local residents showed support by lining the route of the convoy transporting Dale's body. The Gunnison County sheriff’s office extended its deepest condolences to Dale’s family, friends, and fellow wildfire-fighting personnel.

Colorado representative Jeff Hurd praised Dale on social media, stating he had “answered the call to serve others, knowing the risks that come with that service.” Governor Jared Polis announced that state flags would fly at half-staff during a memorial service planned for Dale, who is survived by his wife and two children.

Helicopter Express, the owner of Dale’s helicopter, described his death as “a heartbreaking loss for everyone at [the company] and throughout the aerial firefighting community.”