Grand Canyon helicopter crash: Couple in critical condition 'were on their honeymoon'

British holidaymakers Ellie Milward, 29, and her husband Jonathan Udall, 32, were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries
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A British couple fighting for their lives in hospital after a helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon were on their honeymoon at the time, friends of the pair have said.

Ellie Milward, 29, and Jonathan Udall, 32, survived after the aircraft exploded in a fireball in the Nevada desert, killing three British holidaymakers on Saturday.

Friends of Mr Udall and Ms Milward have told how the pair were honeymooning in Las Vegas when they were critically injured in the crash as they set up a fundraising page for the parents of the couple.

Three British passengers, including Ms Milward and Mr Udall, and the pilot were rushed to hospital following the incident at the Arizona tourist attraction.

A JustGiving page set up to help relieve financial stress for the married couple’s parents, who are believed to be travelling to the US to visit their loved ones, has raised more than £14,000.

Becky Dobson, 27, was among three Brits killed in a helicopter crash at the Grand Canyon

The fundraising page reads: “Our dearest friends Jon Udall and Ellie Milward have been involved in a tragic accident whilst honeymooning in Las Vegas.

“They are both currently in critical condition and their parents are travelling out to be by their sides. During this terrible time we want to try and do what we can to help all affected through this terrible situation.

“We believe donating whatever we can will help relieve any unexpected financial stress and let all involved focus on the important thing, the speedy recovery of this lovely couple.”

Jason Hill, 32, Stuart's brother, was also among those who were killed

The three who died were originally from Worthing, West Sussex, and were on holiday in the US to celebrate Stuart Hill's birthday.

Jennifer Springfield, administration assistant at the medical examiner's office at the opening of an inquest, said: "The cause of death is going to be multiple injuries due to a helicopter crash and the manner is: accident."

The scene of the horrific crash
Sky News

The preliminary findings were released ahead of full post-mortem examination reports which could take up to six weeks, she added.

The Rev David Hill and Sandra Hill, parents of solicitor Jason and car salesman Stuart, said they were "remarkable people" who will be "deeply missed by so many, many people".

Ms Dobson was working as a receptionist at a vet's and had ambitions of becoming a veterinary nurse.

Ellie Milward, 29, Jonathan Udall, 32, and Jennifer Barham, 39, were airlifted to University Medical Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with pilot Scott Booth, 42, according to local reports.

The helicopter tour was run by Papillon and the crash is being investigated by the National Transport Safety Board.

Mohave County Medical Examiner's Office said on Wednesday that the crash was an "accident" as an inquest was opened.

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