Who were Jason Myers and Chip Tayag? WBTV meteorologist and Sky3 pilot killed in tragic helicopter crash
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: WBTV Meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag were killed in a deadly helicopter crash early Tuesday afternoon, November 22. The crash reportedly took place near Interstate 77 at the Nations Ford Road exit.
“The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss. Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board. Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families," WBTV said in a statement after the crash.
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Who was Jason Myers?
Jason Myers grew up in Union and Catawba counties and is said to have watched WBTV as a child. He went to North Carolina State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in meteorology. He went on to start his broadcast meteorology career at KRBC-TV in Abilene, Texas, and eventually worked at WRIC-TV in Richmond, Virginia. Most recently, Myers was the Chief Meteorologist for ABC 36 in Lexington, Kentucky. He married his childhood friend, Jillian, and the pair share four children.
Jason's LinkedIn bio reads, "Meteorologist with over sixteen years of local, regional, and national forecasting experience. Articulate communicator within tight deadlines, under stressful situations, and in group presentations. Credentials include: a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology with a Communication Concentration; American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval; weather observing/forecasting for the Federal Aviation Administration. Proficient with all professional weather system graphics, such as WSI & Barons."
Who was Chip Tayag?
Tayag, who came to WBTV in 2017 as an ENG pilot operating Sky3, worked with the Total Traffic and Weather Network. He had been a pilot for over 20 years. “We always said that if we could duplicate Chip and his piloting skills, his organization abilities, and attention to detail, our company would be better off. He always cared about the job he was doing and strived to make all his passengers comfortable while covering the news in Charlotte,” the Total Traffic and Weather Network said.
Tayag's LinkedIn profile says he has previously worked with AgMax Agricultural Helicopter Services, LLC; Myrtle Beach Helicopter Tours; Helicopter Adventures; Chesapeake Bay Helicopters; Monumental Helicopters; ViPS; and Heli-Photo.
Tayag had notably flown the WBTV helicopter for over 2,000 hours in his five years with TTWN. He had reportedly accumulated over 3,700 total flight hours. He is survived by his wife, Kerry Tayag.
The crash is now being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. “Tragically there are two people who will not be going home and spending the holidays with their loved ones. I ask that we pray for the families,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said at a press conference.