NEW INFORMATION: Helicopter Crash Kills Two at Table Rock Lake
updated at 9:10 p.m. Saturday
By
KSPR News
Story Created:
Aug 29, 2008
Story Updated:
Aug 31, 2008
The names of the two victims of a helicopter crash Friday just off a Table Rock Lake cove have been released by the Missouri Water Patrol.
24-year-old Wayne Holtmeier of St. Louis and 26-year-old Adam Long of Farmington, Missouri, were piloting a Robinson R-44 helicopter from California to Illinois when a fisherman says he saw the aircraft nose dive into the woods about a third of mile from Mills Branch Cove in the southwest corner of Taney County.
The pair had stopped for fuel in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and were planning to stop again in West Plains.
The FAA is investigating the incident.
No word yet on what caused the crash.
***
It's not beginning to the holiday weekend Taney County officials had been hoping for.
A helicopter crash along Table Rock Lake killed the only two people on board.
The FAA says the helicopter is a Robinson R-44.
The crash happened in the far southwest corner of the county, close to the Arkansas line near Mills Branch Cove on Table Rock Lake.
It’s easy to understand why details from the helicopter crash that killed two are unknown- even by the officials investigating it.
“It is a heavily wooded area,” explains Missouri Water Patrol Captain Gary Haupt.
The crash site is practically invisible.
It’s buried in the forest about a third of a mile east of that Table Rock Lake cove.
Avid fisherman Brad Thomas knows the area well.
“It splits into two separate coves. The one to the left narrows down. You'd probably have to have a canoe to get way back there. There's virtually no other way to get to it,” says Thomas.
We traveled to the scene by private boat, but the Missouri Water Patrol shuttled law enforcement on boats to the cove, which is the best point of access to the crash site.
Haupt says, “Right now our goal is to get as much information as possible."
A fisherman told sheriff’s deputies he saw the helicopter take a nose-dive into the woods.
Where it landed was so difficult to determine that St. John’s hospital in Springfield used its life flight helicopter to spot the accident and then direct law enforcement.
The NTSB will take over the investigation Saturday.
According to the FAA the helicopter is registered to the Robinson Helicopter Company out of the Los Angeles area.
; "Click for StormVision Doppler Radar")
Friday, Oct 10 at 9:20 AM eminence friend wrote ...
My friends and I had the pleasure of meeting Adam and his family at Eminence this summer. Where ever Adam was he made sure everyone was having fun. He was such a positive, upbeat person. Eminence won't be the same without him. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Saturday, Sep 27 at 4:35 PM Chelsy Roach wrote ...
Adam was my cousin. And yes this was a terrible tragedy. A day hasnt went by that I havent thought about him. I just wish he was still here with me. But atleast I know he is in a better place. I love and miss you Adam with all my heart!!!
Thursday, Sep 18 at 3:14 PM Jorge Gonzalez wrote ...
I had the honor to share a year with Wayne (JR) he was a great friends always had something fun to make you have a good laught... I just found out about it... and it is a great pain to hear this terrible news... you will always be remembered and you will always live in our hearts... take care bro and see you soon..
Saturday, Sep 13 at 9:08 PM Bianca wrote ...
Most definitely....both families had wonderful souls in their midst. Its still surreal what has happened.
Saturday, Sep 13 at 9:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Both families should be very proud and blessed to have raised sons who have made such a positive impact on so many peoples lives. So many more people have expressed their gratitude for knowing both men. Yes, I believe the parents of Adam Long are Kim and Ronnie Long while the parents of Wayne Holtmeier Jr are Wayne M. Holtmeier (father) and Juanita Miner and her husband David, Beaufort. Both families raised incredible men that have made positive impacts on several people's lives.
Saturday, Sep 13 at 8:31 AM Bob Welsh wrote ...
I'm late hearing about this...but can anyone tell me if Adam's dad was Ronnie Long from Fredericktown High School? (class of 77) What a terrible thing to happen to these two young men. They were apparently two fine young men who will be greatly missed. bacbob@charter.net May God bless their families and ease their sorrow.
Thursday, Sep 11 at 11:42 PM Toby wrote ...
jr will be missed severly he was a great man that did not deserve to die he was planning to take me on a ride with his helicopter on sept 24 for my bday and then this happened and i wish i had spent more time with him but i didnt and i am regreting it i can feel it every day and at night wen i close my eyes i can see him as if he were watching over me at first it scared me and now it just comforts me and he helps me sleep at night rest in peace uncle JR i love you and i will miss you every day
Monday, Sep 8 at 1:12 PM Friends of Wayne in CA, FL, TX, & NY wrote ...
Our hearts and prayers go to the Holtmeier Family. They raised a loving, adventurous, and brave son. In memory of him, we have all made plans to visit his resting place.
Sunday, Sep 7 at 11:57 AM Associate from College wrote ...
Wayne Holtmeier Jr. Age 24 at time of death Birthday: September 5, 1983 Death: August 29, 2008 Funeral: September 5, 2008 High School: Subiaco Academy Alumni 2001 College: St. Louis University Alumni 2005 -Goal: Law School bound with a focus on Business- ASSET TO SOCIETY IN SO MANY WAYS
Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:27 PM Peter M. wrote ...
The Most Positive Man on this planet. Rest in Peace, Bro. Wish the world had more time to get to know you as much as we all did, Wayne Holtmeier Jr.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:25 PM Robert wrote ...
Wayne is the most loyal human being. He never forgot those who were good to him. We will never forget you, Wayne. We love you.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:23 PM Michael wrote ...
Wayne Holtmeier (JR as we know him) You have friends from all over the United States to China, man. WE ALL miss you. The world lost a dynamite man.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:20 PM Brody wrote ...
Funeral Mass for Wayne Holtmeier Jr. Will Be Friday A funeral Mass for Wayne Holtmeier Jr., 24, St. Louis, formerly of Beaufort, will be held Friday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Neier. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Holtmeier died Friday, Aug. 29, 2008.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 11:19 PM JORGE wrote ...
ARE THEY INVESTIGATING WHY A BRAND NEW HELICOPTER TOOK THE LIVES OF TWO GREAT YOUNG MEN (ADAM & WAYNE)? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET ANSWERS.
Saturday, Sep 6 at 1:53 PM Cierra wrote ...
Close to 2500 people showed up to Adams Visitation. Our whole Auditorium was almost filled at the funeral. It just goes to show you how many people loved and befriended him. WE ALL MISS YOU ADAM!!!
Friday, Sep 5 at 6:09 PM Fredericktown Citizen wrote ...
I have never seen a death take such a toll on a small town. Adam you were one of a kind and will be missed by thousands. I hope you are seeing the out pour of love and support for your parents and your loved ones. It is quite amazing, you have to be smilin'! It was an honor knowing you!
Friday, Sep 5 at 9:13 AM Becky, Piedmont, MO wrote ...
May God touch the hearts of Kim, Ronnie, Jessica and the many friends and families whose lives have been touched by this tragedy. To Adam, rest in God's arms.
Thursday, Sep 4 at 11:12 PM Brent Drees wrote ...
JR- I have not seen you in sometime but I still remember the grade school days: swinging on the vines with your sisters in the woods, to hiking the railroad tracks catching lizards. Most of all I remember how caring you were. You would always help anyone who asked. I wish would have kept in touch when I moved. My prayers and thoughts go out to family and friends.
Thursday, Sep 4 at 10:36 AM Joe Knight wrote ...
What a great guy and a terrible loss. We will all miss him and hope to see him on the other side.
Wednesday, Sep 3 at 5:20 PM Marc M wrote ...
I am sorry to see one of my fellow students pass doing what we love to do. In time I am sure our questions on how this could happen will be answered. I pray for his family and friends. God bless you all.
Wednesday, Sep 3 at 4:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Adam was loved by everyone his smile brightened the room everywhere he went, he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends.We love and miss you adam.
Wednesday, Sep 3 at 4:13 PM Kathy wrote ...
Adam, I met you at SSH. The world is a better place because you left behind a legacy of joy that will never be forgotten. I'm glad you were part of my life.
Wednesday, Sep 3 at 8:42 AM Kent wrote ...
JR- Thanks for everything! My wife (Mandy)knows what a great friend you have become. I am glad I had the chance to make the trip 2 weeks ago with you. Those memories are "Golden"! You made this last year one of the best years of my life and I will keep flying like your next to me.
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 9:22 PM Lillie Irwin wrote ...
JR it is lillie, Iloved you so much.I am so happy to be your sister.I have so many good memories.I will see you soon.I miss you terribly.My life will never be the same without you.Please wait for me in heaven.
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 8:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...
My family knew Adam from the 4-H rodeo program and also from the local team ropings. Adam will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 7:34 PM friends from eminence wrote ...
We watch you grow up year after year and when you didn't come we would call and beg you to just visit (you always ended up making an appearance) I remember you and the cureton girls tubing in the field in the mudd and how proud your mom was of you the trail ride will never be the same God hold and keep you until we can ride again you lived life to the fullest and man were you loved watch over your family and give your mom a warm hug so she'll know your still with her
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 6:35 PM natasha wrote ...
JR. You will truly be missed. I worked with your mother and she was very proud of you. She always told me you fulfilled your dreams. You will truly be missed. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers and our sympathy is extended to you families.
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 1:04 PM Mandy wrote ...
JR (Wayne)- I can't tell you how much you meant to my husband. You taught him to fly. And through all of the time that you have spent together I have learned a lot about you through his stories. He was lucky enough to make that same trip to LA with you a few times before. He admired you so much. It is not often that you meet people like you. We have to believe that god has a better plan, it is just so hard to understand right know. Thank you for being a part of our lives and u will be missed
Tuesday, Sep 2 at 10:29 AM Donna wrote ...
Wayne (JR to us) was such a loving and caring young man. He was loved by all our family and will be truly missed. He loved what he was doing and it was a dream fulfilled. JR always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. He will truly be missed by all that met him, and mostly by all those who loved him. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. We will keep him in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers go our to his family.
Monday, Sep 1 at 11:48 PM Lori wrote ...
Adam, you did not really know me but I have known you and your family all of your life. I can still remember your sweet face and blue eyes when you were a child. I know your will be saddly missed by your mom, dad, grandparents, family, and friends. God Bless You Adam Long.
Monday, Sep 1 at 8:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...
In just the short time I was privelaged to know Adam, he taught me how to live in the moment and make them ALL count. In just talking with you could see how happy he was to fly. I feel blessed to know him and am quite positive he's looking down and would give anything to make us smile. RIP Adam, we will sing dust on the bottle again some day.
Monday, Sep 1 at 8:31 PM Aunt Shell wrote ...
Adam- I love you so much. You were a huge part of my life, Nathan's and Casey's life. It will be a long journey to get through this. We will always remember you for your humor and wit. You were full of love and chose to share that love with everyone you met. You will always be in our heart forever and ever. I miss you so much. We will do our part in helping mom, dad, nanny and papa. You are special. LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!
Monday, Sep 1 at 4:34 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I am so thankful to have met Adam. He was an example of how everyone should live life. He always said he would rather regret doing something than regret NOT doing it. It can never be said that Adam didn't live life to its fullest. He did what made him happy, and flying was one of those things. He effected my life in ways he didn't even know. Adam I love you and miss you more than I know how to say.....my heart hurts without you, thank you for always being you and loving me for me.
Monday, Sep 1 at 1:54 AM Tom wrote ...
Adam Long was my 2nd cousin. All I can say is please say a prayer for Adam and his family.
Sunday, Aug 31 at 11:10 PM anonymous wrote ...
I feel horrible for Adam's family, my prayers are with them. Our flight school lost one of its brightest.
Sunday, Aug 31 at 6:01 AM C.J wrote ...
what a wonderful young man. The world has lost more then ever will be known, He had so much to give. See you later my friend.
Saturday, Aug 30 at 10:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...
He was a great guy and will be missed. When you saw adam he always had a smile on his face and always said "hey buddy" Great guy and its sad to hear that he is gone. RIP adam
Saturday, Aug 30 at 5:50 PM CHRISTINE wrote ...
I love you Adam and I hope you are in a better place and that you know u were loved by so many people here. The entire town is in an up-roar wondering what happened what went wrong? I just hope all the people in the town ur accident happened in knows that you were a very popular 25 year old person that was full of life and jokes. I still remember 8th grade when you would intentionaly annoy me lol You knew i loved it deep down! FREDERICKTOWN LOVES ADAM LONG AND HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR HEARTS!
Saturday, Aug 30 at 5:09 PM unknown wrote ...
One of the Piolts name is Adam long he's From Fredrictown Mo,His Mom is From Farmington Mo. This is very sad Adam was A great guy,God bless him and his mom Kim
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