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Fri, Nov 08, 2013

California Man Jumps From Helicopter In Possible Suicide

Fell 500 Feet To The Water Off The Coast Of Newport Beach, California

A 61-year-old man fell from a helicopter Tuesday in an incident that is being investigated as a possible suicide.

The man is identified as West Covina, CA resident Gregory McFadden. He was pronounced dead at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, according to the Newport Beach Police.

McFadden was the only passenger aboard a Robinson R44 helicopter owned by a private helicopter company. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that, according to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor, McFadden apparently opened the door of the helicopter while flying over the ocean and jumped from the aircraft. He fell about 500 feet before impacting the water.

McFadden's brother Bradley told the paper that Gregory suffered from chronic acid reflux disease. He had been on disability, and had applied to get an operation to repair a valve between his stomach and esophagus, but was denied the surgery.

An autopsy is being performed.

(R44 pictured in file photo. Not incident aircraft)

FMI: www.ocsd.org

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