Laurence Dollimore
A BRITISH expat couple have been rushed to Las Vegas after their daughter was involved in a horrific helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon.
David and Elaine Barham are in the US while their daughter Jennifer Barham, 39, who works for a legal firm in London, recovers from her injuries.
Three Brits died after their helicopter ride – designed to be the highlight of the trip – crashed into a remote ravine.
Stuart Hill, whose birthday was last Friday, was killed alongside his brother Jason, 32, and girlfriend, Becky Dobson, 27, when their sightseeing helicopter crashed and burst into flames.
Three other friends on the flight survived, including Ellie Milward, 29, and Jonathan Udall, 32, who married last year, and Jennifer Barham, who were all flown to University Medical Center in Las Vegas with Scott Booth, 42, the pilot.
Pictures taken by a photographer who witnessed the accident show a woman running from the wreckage, which may have been Barham.
Jennifer’s parents live in Estepona, a popular holiday resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Local expats have organised an event to help fundraise for the family of Jennifer.
A gig will be held at Louie Louie bar in Estepona port on February 24.
Organiser Kevin Nicholls said: “As most of you know David and Elaine’s Daughter Jennifer was seriously injured in a helicopter crash in Las Vegas.
“The family have rushed to her side and the gig is to show our support as they are part of our Estepona community.
“The KP band will donate their fee and Louie Louie will be donating 20% of the Bar takings. .
“Please come and show your support.”
The helicopter tour had begun in Boulder City, Nevada, and although a storm was approaching and weather conditions were not normal, there were no restrictions on the flight.
The helicopter tour was run by Papillon Group. The company’s website states: “With more than 50 years flying the Grand Canyon and beyond, Papillon is the largest and most experienced helicopter tour operator in the world.”
Brenda Halvorson, Papillon’s chief executive, extended sympathy to the families involved in the accident.
“Our top priority is the care and needs of our passengers and our staff,” she said.
