A Royal Navy officer described as “an inspiration to countless people” from Surrey has died in a helicopter crash.
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, from Virginia Water, was one of three crew members killed when a helicopter crashed yesterday (June 3) in Devon.
Lt Fisher was serving with the Royal Navy’s 846 Naval Air Squadron and was nearing the end of her flying training.
She would have received her pilot’s wings in June.
In a statement, 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."
They described her as someone who had "left an immeasurable hole" in the lives of all who knew her and asked for privacy as they grieve.
Lt Fisher was educated at Imperial College London, where she completed a master’s degree in geology in 2016.
She later worked as a geologist at BP before joining the Royal Navy in 2019.
Lt Fisher represented England in junior lacrosse and pole vault, and competed for her regional netball team.
During her studies, she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron, which ignited her interest in aviation.
She later earned a place on the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando at the time.
Lt Fisher also served as a watchkeeper on Operation Isotrope, the UK military’s response to the Channel migrant crisis.
In that role, she helped coordinate naval efforts to locate and secure vessels, with the primary goal of saving lives.
She began her flying career with the aim of piloting the Merlin Mk4, joining 846 Naval Air Squadron in 2025.
The fatal flight was her final assessment before being formally awarded her pilot’s wings.
Her family, colleagues, and senior officers all described her as "an inspiration to countless people" with a "very bright future as a Naval Aviator ahead of her."
Tributes have poured in from all levels of the military in the wake of the incident.
Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner, commander of Joint Aviation Command, said the loss of "three deeply capable and professional aviators" was a source of "profound sadness."
Colonel Will Penkman, commanding officer of the Commando Helicopter Force, said the crew were "cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them."
He described the loss as a "tragedy" that leaves a "terrible gap in our hearts."
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with officials urging members of the public not to share any footage from the scene and to respect the privacy of the families.
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