Community mourns firefighter killed in helicopter crash during Gold Mountain Fire
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -Community members gathered Monday to honor a firefighter killed after a helicopter crashed into a reservoir while battling the Gold Mountain Fire on Colorado’s Western Slope.
The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot as 56-year-old Nicholas Dale. Dale was piloting a K-MAX helicopter when the aircraft went down into Silver Jack Reservoir just after 5 p.m. on July 12. The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered Dale’s body Sunday evening. His remains were then transported to the Gunnison County Coroner’s Office.
Community reaction
A procession honoring Dale traveled from Gunnison to Grand Junction on Monday morning. Community members in Grand Junction also responded to the deaths of four firefighters killed across Colorado this summer.
“It’s incredibly sad, but I’m also really grateful that they were willing to put it on the line and commit the service for the greater community,” said Anthony Oseguera Goad, who was visiting Grand Junction. “I just hope people remember the sacrifice they gave and most of all do their part to contribute to the community and keep our people safe.”
“It hurts and we just all try to help lift each other up and try to help energize people that keep serving and help honor and lift up the family as well,” said Rusty Sanchez, a Grand Junction resident.
Crash details
Dale was the sole occupant of the helicopter at the time of the crash. He was assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in the southwest region of Gunnison County, which is northeast of the fire, when the aircraft went down.
Aircraft involved
Dale was piloting a K-MAX helicopter, a type of aircraft used for wildfire suppression on the Gold Mountain Fire. In an interview conducted before the crash, a fire official described the aircraft’s capabilities.
“With that aircraft, the pilot is the only one that flies on board,” said Selena Velencia, a Helitack Squad Leader assigned to the Gold Mountain Fire. “The K-Max is actually able to pick up a lot more than all of our helicopters and aircraft here on the ground right now.”
Video from last week shows a K-MAX helicopter being used on the Gold Mountain Fire, but it has not been confirmed whether it is the same aircraft Dale was piloting.
Governor responds
Gov. Jared Polis released a statement Monday addressing the death.
“I was devastated to hear that Nicholas Dale, a brave frontline fire aviation pilot, died battling the Gold Mountain Fire. I, and every Coloradan, am deeply grateful for the thousands of brave firefighters and pilots across the state protecting us and our communities. My heart goes out to the pilot’s friends, family, and colleagues who mourn this immense loss. We are committed to supporting our brave firefighters and their families, and the State stands ready to support any investigation into this tragic incident. Once selected, state flags will be ordered to fly at half-staff on Nicholas’s memorial date to honor his bravery and sacrifice,” Polis said.
Investigation and fire status
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation into the crash. No other details about the cause are currently available.
The Gold Mountain Fire has grown to more than 36,000 acres and is 11 percent contained.
Copyright 2026 KKCO. All rights reserved.