Volunteer Delaware firefighter dies from fall out of helicopter

GEORGETOWN, Del. -- A volunteer firefighter has died after falling from a helicopter during a training exercise in Georgetown, Delaware.

The Lewes Fire Department said longtime member Tim McClanahan, 46, died during a training exercise at the Delaware Air Rescue, which brings in volunteer firefighters from across the state.

The tragic incident happened around 6:45 p.m. Monday.

Officials say during the training exercise, a pilot and trooper medic were on board along with the two volunteer firefighters.

As McClanahan stepped out onto the skid of the helicopter, he fell from an undetermined height onto a grassy area below the aircraft.

At that point, the helicopter landed and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board as well as nearby volunteer firefighters rushed over and immediately rendered medical assistance.

Sussex County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported McClanahan from Lewes to Beebe Healthcare where he was pronounced dead.