Dear KKIM Family,
We are continuing to follow the story of the missing Pilot of the New Mexico State Police Helicopter, Sgt. Andy Tingwall and the Hiker that had been rescued, Negumi Yamamoto a University of New Mexico graduate student.
Let us be in prayer for them and also Officer Wesley Cox who was found yesterday and is in the Hospital with serious injuries.. Here is an update from Frank……….
A state police officer who told rescuers he was the only survivor of a high-altitude helicopter crash was in serious condition Wednesday at a Santa Fe hospital, a state police spokesman said.
Although his right leg was crushed and his back injured in the crash, Officer Wesley Cox, 29, was able to hike out less than a mile until he found a ground team of search and rescuers, according to New Mexico Department of Public Safety spokesman Peter Olson and State Police Chief Faron Segotta. Cox, a spotter on the helicopter, also was suffering from hypothermia when he was found and hoisted aboard a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, Segotta said.
Cox told rescuers that the pilot of the state police helicopter, Sgt. Andy Tingwall, 36, and a lost hiker they’d just picked up Tuesday night, Neguchi Yamamoto, did not survive the crash.
Rescuers reported Wednesday evening that they had found the fuselage and other debris from the helicopter, but there was still no sign of the two missing people. State police spokesman Eric Garcia said debris from the helicopter is scattered down the mountainside.
The crash happened northeast of Santa Fe Baldy, at about 12,000 feet, officials said. A crew of 18 people hiked through the night in an effort to reach the lower end of the debris field.
Tingwall was the chief pilot for the state police’s aircraft division and had more than 1,300 flight hours to his credit. Tingwall also frequently served as a state police media spokesman.
The helicopter is specially equipped for high-altitude search and rescue missions, including landing and taking off at up to 15,000 feet and flying at up to 20,000 feet.
Police want to make it clear they are on a rescue mission.
Sgt. Tingwall is a true hero along with Officer Cox. Sgt. Tingwall was just named Officer of the year.
Please keep them all in your prayers.
Oh Lord, We come to you today and pray that the searchers will find Sgt. Tingwall and Negumi Yamamoto. We pray for the recovery of Officer Cox. We pray for the families and friends to give them Your strength and peace. We thank You Lord for men like Sgt. Tingwell and Officer Cox who put their lives on the line for Your children. Be with the rescue workers as they search for their friend. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!
He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY.
In the Love of Christ, Dewey Sharon and family
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