Tributes paid to Royal Navy's Lily-Mae Fisher
She was on of three people killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday
Tributes are being paid to a Royal Navy helicopter pilot, who died in a crash yesterday.
The Royal Navy said: "Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher grew up in Virginia Water, Surrey. She attended Imperial College London to study for an MSc in Geology, graduating in 2016. Sporty and active from a young age, Lily-Mae 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 MSc she became a geologist for British Petroleum for 2 years prior to commissioning into the Royal Navy in 2019. Lily-Mae 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 Lily-Mae attended the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain's only serving female Royal Navy Commando.
"Following this achievement, Lily-Mae worked as a Watch Keeper on Op ISOTROPE, the UK military's response to the Channel Migrant Crisis. Lily-Mae and her team were responsible for coordinating Naval assets to find, secure and recover vessels with the primary aim of preventing loss of life.
"Lily-Mae 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.
"Lily-Mae was tragically killed in a helicopter incident on her final assessment of flying training and was due to be awarded her Pilot’s Wings in June 2026. Her death is a huge loss to the RN, 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."
Her family 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. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”