James Fisher, and Adam Duvernay

The News Journal

A Delaware firefighter has died after falling from a helicopter during a training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team.

Police identified the firefighter Tuesday morning as Tim McClanahan, 46, of Lewes.

The incident occurred while a Delaware State Police aviation unit was conducting monthly "hoist training" with DART at the Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown Monday night.

"Two volunteer firemen, along with a pilot and a trooper medic, were on board the helicopter," said DSP spokesman Sgt. Richard Bratz. "As McClanahan stepped out onto the skid, at an undetermined height, he fell to the grassy area below the helicopter. At that point, the helicopter immediately landed, and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board immediately responded and began medical assistance.”

Other firefighters rushed to the scene and assisted, Bratz said. McClanahan was transported to Beebe Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead. No one else on the scene got medical attention.

The investigation is in the early stages, Bratz said, and the Federal Aviation Administration will receive assistance from state police.

"It is with deep, deep regret that the Officers and Members of the Lewes Fire Department announce the passing of one of our own earlier today. Further details on remembrance services are to follow," a post on the Lewes Fire Department's Facebook page read on Monday night.

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