'Everything to live for': Families pay tribute to three Royal Navy crew killed in Merlin crash

The families of Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher and Petty Officer Owen Green have paid deeply personal tributes to the three crew members killed during a training exercise in Devon.

Their pen portraits were read at Devon Coroner's Court as part of ongoing inquests into their deaths.

The Merlin Mk4 helicopter carrying the three aviators crashed in a field near Okehampton during the early hours of 3 June 2026.

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Senior Coroner Philip Spinney said the precise medical causes of their deaths had yet to be established.

Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson

Lt Cdr Gayson, 42, was remembered as a devoted husband and father, a much-loved brother and a highly respected Royal Navy pilot and instructor.

His family said he had been deeply loved from the day he was born and had brought his parents "a great deal of pride", while his siblings described him as "the best big brother".

"To all his friends from school days and university, Chris combined quiet sincerity with poise and light-hearted charm," their tribute said.

"He could move effortlessly between thoughtful reflection and spirited revelry, always knowing the value of both."

Lt Cdr Gayson joined the Royal Navy in 2008 and became what his family described as a "deeply respected and much-loved member of the Commando Helicopter Force family".

They said he was an intelligent, thoughtful and highly regarded aviator who was generous with his time and regularly offered advice, guidance and support to colleagues and friends.

"His humility often belied his outstanding achievements as both a Royal Navy officer and accomplished helicopter instructor," the tribute said.

Lt Cdr Gayson had gained his pilot's wings in 2012 and served with 845 Naval Air Squadron, flying Sea King helicopters on exercises and operations overseas.

He later trained helicopter pilots from across the Armed Forces and joined 846 Naval Air Squadron as its Operational Conversion Flight Commander in July 2025.

He leaves behind his wife and two sons, aged four and 11.

"He was a wonderful dad, and as a father his calm and confident presence could help his sons overcome any challenge and excel," his family said.

"His voice was kind and honest and his faith in our family unit was unwavering."

They recalled how the touch of his hand could be the gentlest wake-up call for his eldest son or the beginning of a playful wrestle with his youngest.

"His grace of spirit, wisdom and professionalism will leave a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him," the tribute concluded.

"He will be loved and missed forever."

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher

Lt Fisher, 31, was remembered as an extraordinary daughter, sister and partner whose determination took her from elite sport to the cockpit of a Royal Navy helicopter.

Her family said she had been sporty and driven from an early age, representing England in junior lacrosse and competing regionally in pole vault, netball and hockey.

She later represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships while completing elementary flying training and represented the Royal Navy in telemark skiing in 2025 and 2026.

Away from her military career, she took up paragliding, skydiving and climbing.

Lt Fisher graduated from Imperial College London with a master's degree in geology in 2016. While at university, she joined the University of London Air Squadron, gained her private pilot's licence and discovered the passion for flying that would shape her life.

She commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2019 and went on to complete the All Arms Commando Course, becoming the UK's only serving female Royal Navy Commando.

She also completed Arctic warfare training in Norway and spent a year as a project officer with a specialist military unit.

Lt Fisher joined 846 Naval Air Squadron in 2025. At the time of her death, she was undertaking the final exercise of her Merlin Mk4 training and was due to receive her pilot's wings later that month.

Reflecting on the setbacks and years of training that had brought her to that point, she had written: "It's been a long road, but I'm so proud and happy to be here."

Her family said inspiring other people was central to her life.

Through her large social media following, she spoke about determination, perseverance and refusing to give up, with a particular focus on showing women and girls what they could achieve.

"Be the reason another woman believes that she can," she wrote.

Her family said: "Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement.

"She took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more and bring out the best in those around her. We are so proud of everything she accomplished.

"She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives and in all the lives she has touched and inspired."

Petty Officer Owen Green

Petty Officer Green was remembered as a loving and thoughtful son, brother and partner whose kindness was matched by a smile that others could not resist returning.

His family said the 24-year-old was already well on his way to achieving his ambitions.

"Owen was just 24 years of age, but was well on the way to achieving his life goals and had everything to live for," their tribute said.

"He had his dream job, a beautiful partner, a home and garden and had just bought his dream car."

Petty Officer Green joined the Royal Navy in January 2022 and trained as an aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron.

He had completed training at HMS Raleigh, RNAS Yeovilton, RAF Shawbury and RNAS Culdrose before earning his Aircrewman Wings.

During Operation Clockwork in Norway in 2026, he recorded the highest number of flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions.

His family described him as "chivalrous and kind, never turning away from someone in need."

"He was a loving and thoughtful son, brother and partner, loved by his family and friends, and had the biggest grin that guaranteed he'd be smiling in response," they said.

"His future is forever unfulfilled, but we are immensely proud of the man he was and everything that he had achieved.

"He will be deeply missed."

The three inquests were adjourned while investigations into the crash continue.

Mr Spinney directed that he be kept informed about the progress of the military air accident investigation and that a file of evidence be provided to him once all aspects of that work have concluded.

A pre-inquest review hearing will then be arranged to determine the scope and conduct of the full inquests.