11-Year-Old Boy Injured in Huntington Beach Helicopter Crash

URGENT UPDATE: An 11-year-old boy, identified as Oliver Holland, is in critical condition after being struck by a helicopter that crashed onto a crowded beach in Huntington Beach, California, earlier this month. The incident occurred on October 11, 2023, and Oliver is currently undergoing surgery for serious injuries, including a collapsed lung and a brain bleed.

Witnesses report that the helicopter lost control while flying above the beach, spiraling in midair before crashing into palm trees near the Pacific Coast Highway. Eyewitness videos captured the shocking moment as the helicopter twisted clockwise, plummeting towards beachgoers. “He was enjoying a day at the beach when suddenly a helicopter malfunctioned and came crashing down on him,” said Oliver’s sister, Madeline Holland, in a heartfelt statement shared on a GoFundMe page.

As of now, nearly $110,000 has been raised from over 2,500 donations to support Oliver’s recovery. Madeline described her brother as “the smartest, funniest boy I have ever known,” emphasizing the family’s hope for his safe recovery. “We want to spread awareness of this, and anything can help,” she added.

The Huntington Beach Fire Department confirmed that a total of five people were hospitalized due to the crash, which included two individuals who were in the helicopter and were successfully extracted from the wreckage. Three other bystanders, including Oliver, sustained injuries. The exact cause of the helicopter’s malfunction remains under investigation.

The helicopter was reportedly part of the annual “Cars ‘N Copters” fundraising event, raising further concerns about safety regulations surrounding such activities. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or footage from the incident to come forward.

As the community rallies behind Oliver and his family during this challenging time, updates on his condition and the investigation into the crash are expected to unfold. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the urgent need for stringent safety measures.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.