This browser does not support the Video element.
Houston helicopter crash: Friend remembers man who died in crash
FOX 26 Reporter Jonathan Mejia spoke with the friend of a man who was killed in a helicopter crash in Houston on Sunday night.
HOUSTON - One of the victims of the recent fatal helicopter crash has been identified, and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has confirmed the cause of death.
One of the victims has been identified as Cesar Lerma, described by friends as a loving father and a detail-oriented professional who specialized in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.
Cesar Lerma
"He's a prince of a guy, very soft-spoken, his attention to detail was unbelievable," remembered Garrett Kauffman, a friend of Lerma.
Lerma, a father of three, booked a helicopter tour over the city to fulfill a wish for his youngest son. This gesture turned to tragedy when the helicopter crashed, killing all aboard.
"They took him on the helicopter ride, and it was gonna be a tour of Houston from what I understand," said Kauffman, who had spoken to Lerma's older son about the circumstances.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Top aviation specialist sheds light on fatal helicopter crash aftermath
A leading aviation expert provides in-depth analysis on the recent tragic helicopter crash in Houston's Second Ward.
Videos of the helicopter crashing have been circulating on social media, but Kauffman refrained from watching them until Wednesday.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Helicopter crashes into radio tower in Houston
A helicopter crashed into a radio tower in Houston's Second Ward on Sunday night. Four people on board died in the crash.
Reflecting on the brevity of life, Kauffman finds solace in his faith.
"My prayers were answered. It was painless. We can't ask God why. We don't have that ability or power. All we do is pray for their souls," he said.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Helicopter crash in Houston
Emergency crews in Houston are at the scene of a fiery helicopter crash. HFD believes the helicopter hit a radio tower and then crashed in EADO.
While Lerma's son opted not to speak on camera, he spoke highly of his father over the phone, calling him one of a kind and promising to speak out about his father, brother, and stepmother at the right time.
"It ended tragically for everybody. Rest in peace, Cesar; you’ll be missed." Kauffman said.
Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app
While dropping off flowers for the memorial at the crash site, relatives told FOX 26 that the only items left intact were a purse with a cell phone inside. Authorities managed to recover a photo of the family before boarding the helicopter and a selfie of the family inside.
This browser does not support the Video element.
While the identity of the pilot has not been released, his primary cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, according to HCIFS. As for Lerma, his wife, and younger son, all died from multiple blunt force and thermal burn injuries.