‘This is a terrible tragedy’: Condolences come in after WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers, pilot Chip Tayag killed in crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Condolences from first responders, meteorologists and others came in following a helicopter crash that killed WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag early Tuesday afternoon.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the WBTV family and we are praying for them and all of those in the media who work so hard to keep the public informed,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted.

The crash happened near Interstate 77 at the Nations Ford Road exit.

Professors with the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences reached out to share their condolences:

Our Wolfpack Community at NC State, and all of us in the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic helicopter crash in Charlotte, which claimed the lives of Meteorologist and NC State alum Jason Myers and Pilot Chip Tayag. From all of us in the Wolfpack Community, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag, as well as to their friends and colleagues around the country, at WBTV, and in the Charlotte area.”

- Lewis Owen and Gary Lackmann

Related: WBTV mourning the loss of meteorologist Jason Myers, pilot Chip Tayag

“I know Chip and Jason were valued team members and we mourn with you during this tragedy,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a tweet.

Jennings called Tayag a hero, stating that witnesses indicated he made “diversionary moves away from the highway to save lives.”

“Because of his heroic acts, there were no further injuries or vehicles on the highway involved in this incident,” Jennings said.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles tweeted about the news: “Our deepest condolences to Jason and Chip’s families and the entire WBTV team on the loss of these wonderful members of our community.”

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio expressed her condolences, saying “you are invaluable partners in keeping our region informed.”

Members of the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, SC said they were “deeply saddened by the news of Chip and Jason.”

The City of Charlotte wrote: “It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag from their colleagues, but they offer a glimpse of how important they both were to the @wbtv_news family and our community.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with @WBTV_News and the families affected by today’s terrible tragedy,” the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office stated.

The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Football Club plan to hold a moment of silence for Jason and Chip during Tuesday night’s tree lighting outside Bank of America Stadium.

“Our thoughts are with our friends at WBTV on the loss of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag,” the teams wrote.

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