ONE of the three victims of a helicopter crash was a former Take Me Out contestant – and Britain’s only serving female commando in the Navy.
Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was among three members of the Royal Navy who died after a helicopter became a “fireball” before crashing to the ground.
Lt Commander Chris Gayson, 42, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, also tragically perished in the crash in Sourton, Devon, on Wednesday.
The Royal Navy released a touching tribute to the trio – all of the 845 Naval Air Squadron – after the tragedy, which occurred at around 4am.
All three victims were hailed as heroes after they managed to save further lives by avoiding nearby homes in their final moments.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash, which eyewitnesses described as a “ball of fire”, was “utterly tragic”.
MOD tribute to the three tragic Royal Navy troops
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, joined the RN as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in Sep 2008 after studying for a Masters in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath and a brief spell as an accountant with Deloitte.
Selected for “Junglie” he gained his wings in Oct 2012 and served with 845 NAS flying the Sea King Mk4, which included flying in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan and Embarked Operations. In 2015, he moved out of the cockpit to assume the role of CHF Air Safety Officer responsible for the whole force Air Safety practices and procedures, including risk management, culture and assurance. Returning to the cockpit in May 17, he attended the Qualified Helicopter Instructors course at RAF Shawbury. He remained at Shawbury on completion and instructed ab-initio helicopter pilots of all three Armed Services. Selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 2020 he assumed the role of Senior Pilot of Sixty Sqn, where he delivered advanced helicopter training to RAF and Commando Helicopter Force Support Helicopter pilots and upgraded to an ‘A categorisation’ instructor. On completion in Mar 2023, he assumed the role of S02 Collective Training within the Joint Aviation Command. Responible for the translation of Defence Policy into Collective Training Objectives and Assurance of 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team and Aviation Task Forces. The Air Appointments Selection Board selected him to convert on to the Commando Merlin helicopter before assuming the position of Operational Conversion Flight Commander on 846 NAS in Jul 25.
An utmost professional, his leadership of the Operational Conversion Flight was exemplary, and his loss is a huge blow to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron.
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, grew up in Virginia Water, Surrey. She attended Imperial College London to study for a Masters in Geology, graduating in 2016. Sporty and active from a young age, she competed for her regional Netball team, and represented England in Junior Lacrosse and Pole Vault. At university she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron where she discovered a passion for flying.
On completion of her MSci, she became a geologist for British Petroleum for 2 years prior to commissioning into the Royal Navy in 2019. She represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in September 2021 whilst also completing Elementary Flying Training. During a break in flying training, she attended the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando. Following this achievement, she worked as a Watch Keeper on Op ISOTROPE, the UK military’s response to the Channel Migrant Crisis. Her team were responsible for coordinating Naval assets to find, secure and recover vessels with the primary aim of preventing loss of life. She thoroughly enjoyed her initial flying training, with a particular interest in the tactical elements. This affirmed her want to fly the Merlin Mk4, joining 846 Naval Air Squadron in 2025.
Her death is a huge loss to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron. She has been an inspiration to countless people, particularly young women, encouraging them to achieve their dreams and it is clear that she had a very bright future as a Naval Aviator ahead of her.
Petty Officer Owen Green
Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, joined the Royal Navy in January 2022, beginning initial training at HMS Raleigh.
He demonstrated a consistently high level of professional competence and dedication throughout his career as an Aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron. Following initial training at HMS Raleigh and advanced aircrew courses at RNAS Yeovilton, RAF Shawbury, and RNAS Culdrose, he rapidly progressed through the ranks, achieving Leading Hand status in September 2025 before achieving his Aircrewman Wings in June 2025. He successfully completed his embarked aviation qualification aboard HNLMS Johan De Witt in October 2025, reflecting his operational readiness and adaptability in multinational environments. He played a key role in major exercises such as Hades Warrior and Wyvern Tor 26, contributing to force tactical validation and operational preparedness. His deployment on Operation Clockwork 26 was particularly notable; he accumulated the highest-flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions, earning his Arctic environmental qualification and establishing himself as one of the squadron’s most experienced operators in extreme environments.
Throughout his service, he consistently demonstrated technical proficiency, operational effectiveness, and a commitment to continuous professional development, making a significant contribution to squadron capability and mission success.
Lily, who was one of just seven women to have earned the coveted Commandos’ Green Beret, was hailed as an “extraordinary woman”.
Her heartbroken family spoke of their pride at the Royal Navy pilot’s life – which was littered with incredible personal accomplishments.
They said: “Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement.
“She took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.
“We are so proud of everything she accomplished.
“She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired.”
Lily passed the gruelling All Arms Commando course that culminated in a 30-mile speed march with weapons and kit on Dartmoor.
It is open to soldiers, sailors and RAF members who work with the Royal Marines – and is rewarded with a green beret and commando flashes.
Outside of her Royal Navy career, Lily appeared on ITV shows Take Me Out and Ninja Warrior UK.
She hailed her time on the dating show, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, as “one of the most surreal five days of my life”.
Lily said: “From filming in the UK to going to the ‘Isle of Fernando’, then returning back to uni at the time, like nothing had happened.
“Something I’ll remember forever and what a fun few days it was!”
In a tribute, the Royal Navy described Lily as “active” from a young age.
It read: “Lily-Mae competed for her regional Netball team, and represented England in Junior Lacrosse and Pole Vault.
“She represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in September 2021 whilst also completing Elementary Flying Training.”
Lily’s social media accounts are also full of images of her competing in ultra-marathons and triathlons across the globe.
Wednesday night’s tragedy – involving a AgustaWestland Merlin chopper -occurred just west of Dartmoor and nearby Okehampton Battle Camp.
The military installation is used extensively to train Royal Marine commandos and for navigation training for helicopter pilots.
In a heartbreaking twist, the flight marked Lily’s final assessment of flying training before she was due to be awarded her Pilot’s Wings this month.
Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, said he was “deeply saddened” by news of Lily’s passing.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened to learn that Lily was among the Navy personnel who lost their lives in the helicopter accident yesterday in Devon.
“Lily was a force of nature, the only serving female Commando, and inspiration to other young women – and frankly to me as well.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said the crash was “truly devastating”.
He added: “The loss of Lieutenant Commander Gayson, Lieutenant Fisher and Petty Officer Green is truly devastating.
“They were dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces.
“Their deaths are a profound loss to all who knew them.
“My thoughts are with their families, loved ones and those who served alongside side them at this deeply tragic time.”
