A young British couple have died alongside their pilot in a shocking helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos, just days after getting married and travelling for their honeymoon.
The victims have been identified as Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, according to reports. The couple were reportedly travelling to the popular holiday destination when their private helicopter crashed close to a landing pad.
Greek authorities confirmed that the crash happened on Monday, August 17, 2026.
The pilot, a Greek national, also died in the tragedy.
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Table of Contents
- Newlyweds Killed on Honeymoon
- Helicopter Crashed Near Landing Pad
- Witnesses Heard Strange Engine Noise
- Emergency Crews Battled Fire
- Investigation Underway
- Blackstone Pays Tribute to Cromie
Newlyweds Killed on Honeymoon
Cromie and Ebert were reportedly enjoying their honeymoon when tragedy struck.
According to Greek newspaper Kathimerini, the couple had travelled by private helicopter from the village of Markopoulo near Athens to Sifnos, a popular destination for holidaymakers.
Their journey ended just moments before the helicopter was expected to land.
The newlyweds were reportedly approaching the landing area when the aircraft crashed.
Both passengers and the pilot died in the incident.
The tragedy has left their families and friends devastated, particularly because the couple had only recently begun their married life together.
Helicopter Crashed Near Landing Pad
Greek police said the helicopter crashed just metres from a designated landing pad.
A senior police official told The Times that the crash occurred shortly before the helicopter’s scheduled landing time of approximately 18:15 local time.
The aircraft reportedly came down close to homes on the island.
The impact caused extensive damage to the helicopter and sparked a fire at the scene.
By Monday evening, firefighters had managed to extinguish the flames.
Witnesses Heard Strange Engine Noise
Local residents reportedly witnessed the helicopter approaching shortly before the crash.
Sifnos Deputy Mayor Manolis Foundoulakis arrived at the scene after the incident and described the devastation.
Speaking to Greek news outlet Newsit, he said there was almost “nothing left” of the aircraft following the crash.
Foundoulakis also said locals reported hearing what they described as a strange engine noise as the helicopter approached the landing area.
The sound reportedly attracted attention shortly before the aircraft went down.
Two of the victims were found inside the wreckage, while the third victim was discovered a short distance away.
The circumstances surrounding the unusual noise are expected to form part of the investigation into the crash.
Emergency Crews Battled Fire
Firefighters rushed to the crash site after a blaze erupted following the impact.
The emergency response was complicated by the location of the crash and the extensive destruction caused to the helicopter.
Crews eventually brought the fire under control on Monday evening.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence from the scene as investigators attempt to establish what caused the aircraft to crash so close to its intended landing point.
No official cause has yet been established.
Investigation Underway
An investigation has been launched by Greek authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the helicopter, flight records, weather conditions and the circumstances surrounding its final approach.
The UK’s Foreign Office is also expected to provide assistance to the families of the British victims.
The BBC has contacted the UK Foreign Office, Greek authorities and the aviation company involved for further information.
At this stage, officials have not announced what caused the helicopter to lose control.
Until the investigation is completed, the exact circumstances remain unknown.
Blackstone Pays Tribute to Cromie
Cromie’s death has also prompted an emotional response from his colleagues.
Asset management company Blackstone described itself as “shocked” by his death and paid tribute to its employee and his wife.
The company referred to Cromie as a “beloved” employee, highlighting the impact his death has had on those who knew him professionally.
The tragedy has therefore affected not only the couple’s families and friends but also colleagues who knew Cromie through his career.
For loved ones, the circumstances are particularly heartbreaking because the couple were reportedly on their honeymoon when their lives were suddenly cut short.
Their deaths have also raised questions about the safety of private helicopter flights in popular tourist destinations.
As investigators work to establish what happened during the helicopter’s final moments, the families of Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert are now facing the devastating loss of a newly married couple whose future together had only just begun.
The pilot’s family is also mourning the loss of a life cut short in the crash.
Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation progresses.
For official travel and safety information about Greece, you can naturally link to UK Foreign Travel Advice – Greece.
