Philly News Helicopter Crash Victims Identified

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Officials have identified the Action News pilot and photographer who were killed Tuesday night after their helicopter crashed in Washington Township, New Jersey.

The network has identified them as pilot Monroe Smith, 67, of Glenside, Penn. and photographer Christopher Dougherty, 45, of Oreland, Penn.

The crash occurred around 8 p.m. Tuesday and a debris field was found around midnight a few hundred yards from Mullica River Road in the area of Middle Road and Quaker Bridge Atsion Road, according to 6ABC, which cited New Jersey State Park Police.

The pair was returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore, the outlet reported. "They have a long history with our station and have been working as part of the Action News team for years," according to 6ABC.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration was called to the crash site early Wednesday and took control of the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to lead the investigation. A preliminary report is expected in 30 days, the Courier Post reported.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the Action News family following last night’s helicopter crash in Wharton State Forest," NJ Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information comes in.