Victims Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash at Mogadore Reservoir: Search Continues for Possible Additional Victims

Suffield Township, OH – March 14, 2025 – In a tragic event that unfolded early Friday morning, emergency responders in Portage County recovered the body of one victim from the Mogadore Reservoir following a fatal helicopter crash. The incident occurred when the helicopter, identified by witnesses as having struck high-tension power lines, crashed into the water. As the investigation progresses, authorities have expressed a commitment to confirming if there are additional victims. At present, efforts continue in a methodical search of the crash site, with emergency personnel using specialized equipment to ensure no other individuals remain unaccounted for.

The Search Efforts:

At approximately 7:11 a.m. on March 14, 2025, first responders were alerted to the crash near the Mogadore Reservoir in Suffield Township, Ohio. Authorities swiftly mobilized to the scene, where they were informed by witnesses on the water that they had seen the helicopter strike power lines owned by Ohio Edison before plunging into the reservoir. Emergency crews from across the region, including fire and law enforcement personnel, were immediately dispatched to the crash site.

Suffield Township Fire Chief Bob Rasnick provided an update at the scene later that morning around 10:40 a.m., confirming that a body had been recovered from the water. However, the search continued as authorities utilized advanced technology to aid their recovery efforts. According to Chief Rasnick, the AquaEye sonar device, a cutting-edge tool used to scan the underwater area for potential debris or objects, had detected something in the water. While it was unclear whether it was directly connected to the crash, authorities were being thorough in their search, maintaining a sense of caution and precision.

As of now, the authorities have not confirmed the recovery of any additional victims, although the search and recovery operation remains ongoing. Chief Rasnick stated that despite the sonar detection, “we do not believe there are additional victims, but we are being thorough.” Emergency personnel are continuing their search, with crews using boats, drones, and specialized dive teams to comb through the reservoir, ensuring every inch of the area is checked for any signs of further wreckage or individuals.

In addition to the ongoing search, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office issued a public statement announcing the closure of Sunnybrook Road between Martin Road and Saxe Road, urging people to avoid the area as emergency teams continue to work in the vicinity.

The Helicopter and Power Line Collision:

The accident occurred when the helicopter struck high-tension power lines, which were owned by Ohio Edison. Witnesses on the water reported observing the aircraft’s collision with the power lines before the crash occurred. It is unclear whether the helicopter’s descent into the water was the result of a mechanical failure, pilot error, or a combination of factors, but the crash site left investigators with a variety of potential causes to explore.

FirstEnergy, the parent company of Ohio Edison, issued a statement following the crash, expressing their concern for those involved and offering their full cooperation to first responders and investigators. The company acknowledged that the power lines were involved in the crash and noted that they would continue to work with emergency crews as the investigation progresses.

“We’ve received reports of a third-party helicopter crash in Portage County that involved our power lines. Our main concern is for those who may have been involved in the incident, and our thoughts are with them. First responders have our full cooperation as they investigate the incident,” the statement read.

The helicopter’s collision with the high-tension power lines could have caused significant damage to both the aircraft and the electrical infrastructure in the area. Authorities confirmed that some leakage was detected from the wreckage of the helicopter after it crashed into the water. Crews worked quickly to contain the leak, ensuring that the water supply in the area remained safe and free from contamination.

Victims and Their Identities:

As of now, only one body has been recovered from the Mogadore Reservoir. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed by authorities, pending proper notification to family members. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are working to identify the victims involved in the crash.

While the investigation continues, the recovery of the body is a crucial part of the ongoing search efforts. Authorities are also attempting to gather further information from the wreckage and witnesses in an effort to provide clarity on the full extent of the crash. Local officials have urged the public to respect the privacy of the families involved and have promised to release further updates as new information becomes available.

Contamination Concerns and Environmental Impact:

One of the primary concerns following the crash was the potential for contamination of the water supply in the area. Emergency crews worked quickly to prevent any hazardous materials from spilling into the Mogadore Reservoir, which serves as an important water source for nearby communities. The helicopter’s wreckage was leaking fuel, which could have led to serious environmental consequences if not quickly contained.

Portage County emergency personnel acted swiftly to contain the leak and prevent any potential environmental damage. Specialized teams worked alongside fire crews and local authorities to contain the spill and ensure that the water supply would remain unaffected. Although the full extent of the environmental impact is still being assessed, officials confirmed that the situation was under control by the time of the morning update.

In addition to the environmental concerns, the incident raised questions about the safety of helicopter flights in the area, particularly near power lines. Investigators will likely focus on the role that the power lines played in the crash, including whether or not they were clearly marked or if the visibility was an issue for the pilot.

Community Reaction and Support for Victims’ Families:

The news of the tragic crash has shaken the local community, with many residents expressing their condolences and concerns for the families involved. Local churches, community centers, and organizations have already begun reaching out to offer support to the families and first responders impacted by the tragedy.

The public has been urged to stay clear of the crash site while the investigation continues, as authorities are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash. Local leaders have pledged to provide resources and support to those affected, including grief counseling services for the victims’ families and first responders who witnessed the devastating scene.

Suffield Township, a small community located within Portage County, has seen an outpouring of solidarity and concern from residents and neighboring towns. Many have expressed their shock at the loss of life and their hopes for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash.

In the wake of the accident, a growing sense of community has emerged, with local organizations and leaders offering condolences and offering to assist in any way they can. The township’s leadership has emphasized the importance of coming together during times of crisis and ensuring that all affected individuals receive the help and care they need.

Authorities’ Ongoing Investigation and Updates:

At present, the investigation is in its early stages, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. Investigators are working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other federal agencies to piece together the events leading up to the crash. They will be analyzing the wreckage, reviewing flight data, and interviewing witnesses to gain a clearer understanding of what transpired.

As the investigation continues, more information may emerge, and authorities have promised to keep the public informed as updates become available. The NTSB will be leading the investigation, with local authorities providing assistance as needed.

Until then, emergency crews continue to conduct search and recovery operations to ensure that all victims are accounted for. The use of advanced sonar technology and underwater drones has allowed the search to be conducted in a thorough and efficient manner.

While the recovery of one victim has been confirmed, authorities are proceeding with caution and are prepared to investigate all possible leads to ensure that no one else is unaccounted for. The search efforts are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with teams remaining on-site to monitor the situation and respond to any new developments.

Conclusion:

The tragic helicopter crash at the Mogadore Reservoir on the morning of March 14, 2025, has left the community in shock, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. As authorities continue their search and recovery efforts, the names of the victims remain unknown to the public, though their families and loved ones are being notified privately. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, particularly the involvement of power lines and any potential safety issues that may have contributed to the accident.

While the recovery of one body has been confirmed, emergency responders are using all available resources to ensure that no additional victims are left unaccounted for. Environmental concerns regarding the potential contamination of the Mogadore Reservoir were swiftly addressed, and authorities have acted to minimize any potential impact on the local water supply.

As the community comes together to support the victims’ families, the focus remains on ensuring that the full details of the crash are understood, and the cause of the incident is thoroughly investigated. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, and authorities continue their search for answers in this heartbreaking tragedy.