Margaret Rimmler dies in fatal Kalalau Beach, Hawaii helicopter crash
Fatal Kalalau Beach, Hawaii helicopter crash death of Margaret Rimmler – Obituary
Authorities have identified 65-year-old Margaret Rimmler of Massachusetts as one of the three victims killed in a tour helicopter crash off Kalalau Beach along Kauaʻi’s Nā Pali Coast on Thursday.
The crash involved an Airborne Aviation McDonnell Douglas MD 500 helicopter, which went down about 100 yards offshore near the remote beach, a popular stop for hikers on the Kalalau Trail. Alongside Rimmler, 59-year-old Patrick Haskell, also from Massachusetts, died. The third fatality, a 40-year-old woman, has not been named pending family notification.
Two other passengers survived the crash but sustained injuries and were airlifted to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Officials have not released details about their conditions or the status of the pilot.
Emergency crews from Hanalei Fire Station and Rescue 3, along with Air 1 helicopter units, responded quickly to the scene. Witnesses and beachgoers performed CPR on some of the victims before first responders arrived. Rescue teams also confirmed one person remained trapped inside the aircraft when they reached the site.
Preliminary reports suggest the pilot had attempted to bring the helicopter closer to shore during the flight, though investigators continue to examine the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.