Fmr. Lexington meteorologist killed in helicopter crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT/WBTV) - A former Lexington meteorologist is dead after a helicopter crash.

Our sister station WBTV in Charlotte, N.C., reports WBTV Meteorologist Jason Myers was among two people killed in a helicopter crash early Tuesday afternoon.

Before working at WBTV, Myers was the chief meteorologist at WTVQ in Lexington from 2013 to 2019.

The WKYT First Alert Weather team reflected on his friendliness and putting aside being competition.

“We’re all a tight-knit community in the weather world and especially within your own department, and so I can’t imagine what everyone in that department is feeling right now,” WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said.

“It didn’t matter that he was at a different television station. All that mattered to him was, ‘Hey I’m going to be your friend, I’m going to be nice to ya right here and now. None of the other stuff matters.’ It’s hard to find that in this business,” WKYT Morning Meteorologist Jim Caldwell said.

WBTV issued this statement following the crash:

“The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss. Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board. Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.”

WBTV was wall-to-wall remembering their friends and colleagues, Tuesday afternoon. Reflecting on their passion for their jobs and the communities they served.

“Honest to goodness, I have never heard that guy say a cross word about anyone or anything ever,” WBTV anchor, Jason Boll said. “He would come into that newsroom and Molly and I were joking about, ‘what’s he running for?’ He was always shaking hands and making a touch point with you every single day.”

Two bright lights in a newsroom that is now dealing with heavy hearts.

“It’s just devastating when something like this happens,” Boll said.

Myers grew up in Union and Catawba counties in North Carolina. He is survived by his wife and four children.

In a statement, WTVQ’s general manager called Myers “a man gone too soon” and asked for prayers and thoughts for his family.

Police are crediting the helicopter pilot, Chip Tayag, for being a hero. Witnesses say he was able to maneuver the helicopter to avoid crashing into cars on the interstate.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.

This is a developing story.

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