Kingman honors DPS pilot as investigation continues

Local Headlines

Kingman, AZ — February 6, 2026 — Community members mourn a fallen DPS pilot, with a vigil held and new details released after a fatal helicopter crash.


Community mourning after DPS helicopter crash

Kingman residents are coming together after the city confirmed the identity of a Department of Public Safety helicopter pilot who was killed this week in a crash near Flagstaff. The pilot was a longtime Kingman resident, and city officials described him as deeply rooted in the community through years of public service.

The helicopter, dispatched from Kingman to assist Flagstaff police during an armed suspect call, went down late Wednesday night. Federal investigators are now leading the crash investigation, and residents near the crash site have been asked to avoid disturbing debris while the review continues.

Vigil draws large crowd

More than 100 people gathered Thursday night at the Mohave County Fairgrounds for a candlelight vigil honoring the pilot. Friends, colleagues, and neighbors shared quiet moments of reflection, emphasizing the pilot’s dedication and the risks faced daily by public safety crews.

City leaders said the loss is being felt across Kingman, particularly among first responders who worked closely with the pilot. Flags were lowered in parts of the city as a sign of respect.

What happens next

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to spend several days examining the wreckage and flight data. Officials have not released a timeline for final findings, noting that helicopter crash investigations are detailed and can take months.

In the meantime, Kingman officials encouraged residents to support one another and to keep the families of those involved in their thoughts. Counseling resources are also being made available to local first responders affected by the incident.

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