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Tributes pour in for WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag after fatal helicopter crash

The aircraft collided with the ground along the southbound side of the I-77 resulting in the fatal crash

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: A television station affiliated with CBS and owned by Gray Television, WBTV, was hit by a tragedy as meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag were killed in a helicopter crash early Tuesday afternoon, November 22. The news was made public after the families were informed. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating the crash.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department explained that Jason Myers and Chip Tayag died after the aircraft collided with the ground along the southbound side of the I-77 highway near the Nations Ford Road exit just after 12 pm. Tayag, who joined WBTV in 2017 as an ENG pilot operating Sky3 and had over 3,700 total flight hours, was hailed a hero by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings who said, "The pilot is a hero in my eyes. Witnesses indicated that the pilot made diversionary moves away from the highway to save lives. Because of his heroic acts, there were no further injuries or vehicles on the highway involved in the incident."

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WBTV issued a statement, "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." 

Tributes pour in for Jason Myers and Chip Tayag

One user remembered the victims and wrote, "Pilot Chip Tayag died a hero today, navigating the WBTV helicopter to crash beside I-77 instead of into traffic. He was flying with meteorologist, husband and father Jason Myers in the air. All of television news is a family. Hug the people you love." David Hodges, an investigative reporter with WBTV remembered his coworkers and tweeted, "Chip Tayag and Jason Myers are irreplacable. Chip was a damn good pilot and calmed my first flight fears. Jason's smile and kindness always brightened my day. He elevated atitudes. I miss them. This community misses them. Let's be there for their families and loved ones"

Carolina Panthers also came forward and wrote, "Our thoughts are with our friends at WBTV on the loss of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag. We will have a moment of silence at tonight’s Tree Lighting in their honor" Anchor Alex Giles from the outlet tweeted, "These two were so talented with what they did every day, but they were even better people. So friendly and so much positive energy. Hug your loved ones tight. We love you, Chip and Jason."

Charlotte FC has announced a moment of silence for Tayag and Myers as they remembered the two saying, "Our thoughts are with our friends at WBTV on the loss of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag. We will have a moment of silence at tonight’s Tree Lighting in their honor." Anchor Carolina Hicks, their coworker, tweeted, "Now that families have been notified we can publicly share that WBTV’s Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives today when Sky3 went down. Anyone who knew them knows they we’re just the best of the best. Please keep their families in your prayers @WBTV_News"

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