Locals near helicopter crash that killed newlyweds said they heard ‘strange noises’

Greek officials are investigating a ‘strange noise’ that locals claim to have heard before the fatal helicopter crash that killed newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert.

The British couple, aged 31 and 30, were in Greece on their honeymoon on Monday (17 August) when the private Bell 206 helicopter they were inside crashed just meters away from the landing pad, killing both of them and their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, 55.

As reported by the BBC, the couple are thought to have taken the helicopter from the village of Markopoulo, near Athens, to the popular holiday island of Sifnos.

According to The Guardian, on Tuesday (18 August), authorities were looking into a ‘strange noise’ that the aircraft made before it fell to the ground and exploded, and Greek police believe a mechanical fault may have caused the accident.

As per the outlet, the deputy mayor of Sifnos, Manolis Fountolakis, told Greek TV: “People in the area have testified hearing the helicopter making a noise, a strange noise, probably a mechanical fault in the air and because the propeller was doing something strange.”

Greece's aviation safety authority has confirmed to the BBC that it’s investigating the crash, with officials on the scene to gather evidence and speak to witnesses.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told the broadcaster: "Our thoughts are with the families during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and in contact with the Greek authorities."

Marie’s employers at Bain & Company said they were ‘devastated’ by the news of her death, while Alexander’s firm Blackstone said he was ‘beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him,’ as they paid tribute.

A spokesperson for Bain & Company told the Press Association: “Marie Ebert was a much-loved and deeply respected member of our London team. She was exceptional at her job, admired by everyone who worked with her, and had an extraordinary future ahead of her. We are devastated.

“Our thoughts are with Marie’s family, with her husband Alex’s family, and with the friends and colleagues who are grieving them both. We also extend our sympathies to the family of the pilot who lost his life as well.

“Marie will be greatly missed by all of us at Bain, and we are doing everything we can to support her family and colleagues at this time.”

A spokesperson for the asset management firm Blackstone, where Alexander worked as a vice-president in private wealth solutions, said: “We are shocked by the tragic passing of three people, including our colleague Alex Cromie and his wife Marie Ebert, who were celebrating their honeymoon.

“Alex was beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him at Blackstone, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”