With profound sadness, family, friends, and the Arthurdale community are mourning the tragic loss of Leo Basile, 57, of Arthurdale, whose life ended following a helicopter crash in Pocahontas County on Friday morning.
Leo was identified as the pilot of a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed near Huntersville around 7:47 a.m. Friday. According to authorities, he was the only person aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The helicopter was owned by Waco Oil & Gas, a Gilmer County-based company, which confirmed the aircraft belonged to the company. The crash occurred in the Huntersville District near Huntersville Road in Marlinton, where emergency crews responded after receiving reports of the aircraft going down.
Leo was pronounced dead at the scene, and officials confirmed that his next of kin was notified. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are working to determine what caused the helicopter to go down and will continue reviewing evidence from the scene.
As family, friends, and loved ones grieve this devastating loss, they are remembering Leo Basile’s life, the memories he created, and the impact he had on those who knew him. May Leo Basile rest in peace. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.