Who was Nicholas Vella? Veteran cop of 14 years died in Newport Beach helicopter crash
A tragic helicopter crash in Newport Beach, California claimed the life of a 14-year police veteran while his co-pilot remains in critical condition. Nicholas Vella, 44, was fatally injured in the helicopter crash that happened on Saturday, February 19, 2022, around 6:30 pm local time. Vella died soon after being rescued from the wreckage. Meanwhile, his co-pilot, a 16-year police veteran was rushed to the emergency.
Nicholas Vella had been working as a police officer and helicopter pilot with the Huntington Beach Police Department and was beloved by his colleagues in the force. In his personal life, Nicholas Vella was married to Kristi Tovar.
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Mourning his tragic death, an emotional HBPD Chief Eric Parra noted, "The city of Huntington Beach, the residents of Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Police Department, and the law enforcement community have lost an officer that was truly dedicated to his job. He was doing what he loved doing."
Vella and his partner were responding to a "disturbance fight call" in Newport Beach when the horrifying crash took place. Their chopper was visible between Lido Isle and Balboa Peninsula before it came spiraling down on the shore.
People at the beach rushed immediately after the crash to rescue the passengers, but Vella succumbed to his injuries while being pulled out. Video footage of the rescue operations shows the police officials and locals trying to free the pilots from the submerged craft in ruins.
Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis said, "We had people there instantaneously. We had rescue personnel that consisted of police officers, firefighters, and lifeguards."
Meanwhile, HBPD chief Eric Parra informed that all their choppers would now be kept grounded for inspection. "We need to have the current aircraft inspected to make sure there's nothing wrong… We're going to pull those in - they won't fly until we do the inspection."
"Our community values our police department, and the loss of an officer hits us all really hard. This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the danger and the risk that our police officers put themselves in on a daily basis to protect our community," stated Huntington Beach Mayor Barbara Delgleize.
A procession was organized by the police department to bid a final farewell to the veteran officer as many poured in their condolences on social media. Huntington Beach Police Department also updated their social media profiles with photos of the late officer.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, the department noted, "It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Nicholas Vella, a 14-year veteran of HBPD. Officer Vella died this evening after our police helicopter, HB-1, crashed into the waters off Newport while responding to a call for service. A second officer was injured and is in stable condition. Officer Vella leaves behind a wife and daughter. He served the community of Huntington Beach with honor and dignity. Please join us in extending prayers to Officer Vella's family. We want to thank the community and our law enforcement partners for your support during this difficult time."
