Helicopter crash soldier was UK’s only female commando and starred on Ninja Warrior

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was the UK’s only female commando and took part in ultra-marathons in events across the world – she died in the helicopter crash this week

Lieutenant Lily-Mae FIisher, Royal Navy Commando

One of the three people killed in a tragic Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon was the UK’s only female commando and took part in ultra-marathons.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, was killed alongside Commander Chris Grayson, 42, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24 when their Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 crashed into a field in the early hours of Wednesday

As well as being Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando and a skilled athlete, Lily-Mae also starred in ITV shows Take Me Out and Ninja Warrior UK.

Outside her career in the military, Lt Fisher also posted about her participation in ultra-marathons in events across the world.

Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher was due to be awarded her Pilot’s Wings in June(Image: Ministry of Defence/PA Wire)

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The Royal Navy told how Lily Mae was “active” from a young age. “Lily-Mae competed for her regional Netball team, and represented England in Junior Lacrosse and Pole Vault. At university she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron where she discovered a passion for flying,” it stated.

“Lily-Mae represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in September 2021 whilst also completing Elementary Flying Training. During a break in flying training Lily-Mae attended the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy Commando.”

Lily-Mae was tragically killed in a helicopter incident on her final assessment of flying training and was due to be awarded her Pilot’s Wings this month.

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.

“We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”

Veteran pilot and war veteran senior officer Lieutenant Commander Chris Grayson, 42, also died in the crash. Lt Cdr Gayson joined the RN as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in September 2008. He gained his wings in October 2012 and served with 845 NAS flying the Sea King Mk4, which included flying in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan and Embarked Operations.

In 2020 he assumed the role of Senior Pilot of Sixty Squadron, where he delivered advanced helicopter training to RAF and Commando Helicopter Force Support Helicopter pilots and upgraded to an ‘A categorisation’ instructor.

“An utmost professional, his leadership of the Operational Conversion Flight was exemplary, and his loss is a huge blow to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron,” said the Royal Navy. A statement from his family read: “Chris was an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly. He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.”

Petty Officer Owen Green

Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, also lost his life in the tragic crash. Petty Officer Green joined the Royal Navy in January 2022, beginning initial training at HMS Raleigh. “He demonstrated a consistently high level of professional competence and dedication throughout his career as an Aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron,” said the Royal Navy.

“His deployment on Operation Clockwork 26 was particularly notable; he accumulated the highest-flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions, earning his Arctic environmental qualification and establishing himself as one of the squadron’s most experienced operators in extreme environments.”

His family said: “Losing Owen has left us all devastated. His life was far too short, and our hearts will forever be broken. He was a caring and devoted son, brother, grandson, and partner to Iona, whom he loved and cherished.”

The scene of the helicopter crash in a field near the A30 in Okehampton(Image: FPS Images)

“His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him. We are so proud of him achieving his life’s goal to serve in the Royal Navy as a Junglie Aircrewman and are grateful for the joy he brought into ours and Iona’s lives. He is so loved and will remain in our hearts forever.”

A tribute from the Royal Navy said: “All three dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country. Our thoughts remain with their families, friends and colleagues and we continue to demand their privacy is respected at this time.”