BRITISH NEWLYWED COUPLE KILLED IN HORROR HELICOPTER CRASH DURING GREECE HONEYMOON — PILOT ALSO DIES IN FIERY DISASTER

A British newlywed couple were killed in a devastating helicopter crash while celebrating their honeymoon on a Greek island. Their experienced Greek pilot also lost his life when the aircraft plunged to the ground and burst into flames just moments before reaching its destination.

Alexander Cromie, 31, and his wife Marie Ebert, 30, died on August 17, 2026, when the private Bell 206 helicopter carrying them crashed near a helipad in the Tholos area of Sifnos, Greece.

The couple had been enjoying their honeymoon when they decided to travel by helicopter from Markopoulo, near Athens, to the popular holiday island. The journey was expected to take approximately 40 minutes, compared with a ferry trip that could take around five hours.

However, what should have been a memorable journey ended in tragedy.

HELICOPTER SPINS OUT OF CONTROL MOMENTS BEFORE CRASH

The helicopter was approaching its intended landing site at approximately 6:15 p.m. local time when something appeared to go terribly wrong.

Security camera footage from a nearby property reportedly captured the aircraft losing control in midair.

The helicopter’s tail appeared to spin as the aircraft rapidly descended. It then disappeared behind a building before a massive plume of black smoke rose from the crash site.

Residents nearby reported hearing an unusual and unusually loud noise coming from the helicopter shortly before it went down.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but all three people aboard were pronounced dead.

The victims were identified as Alexander and Marie, along with their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, 55.

WHO WERE THE BRITISH NEWLYWEDS?

Alexander Cromie was originally from Bristol, England. He graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Sheffield and went on to establish a successful career in finance.

He previously worked at NatWest and BNP Paribas before joining Blackstone, a major US investment management company.

At the time of his death, Alexander was working as a vice president in the company’s private wealth solutions division.

His wife, Marie Ebert, was born in London and worked as a senior specialist at Bain & Company, one of the world’s leading management consulting firms.

She had previously built experience in asset management, private equity and consulting. She was also fluent in German and graduated from the University of Exeter.

The couple had recently married and were traveling through Greece to celebrate the beginning of their life together.

Their honeymoon was supposed to be a special time filled with memories. Instead, it became their final journey together.

EXPERIENCED PILOT ALSO KILLED

The helicopter was being flown by Giorgos Raikos, a 55-year-old Greek pilot and former military serviceman.

He was described in local reports as an experienced aviator who had previously served in the Greek military.

The aircraft was a private Bell 206 helicopter that had reportedly completed another flight earlier that day.

The crash occurred close to the intended landing area, leaving investigators with questions about what happened during the aircraft’s final moments.

POSSIBLE MECHANICAL FAILURE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Initial reports from Greek aviation authorities suggested that a possible malfunction involving the helicopter’s tail rotor may have contributed to the disaster.

The tail rotor plays an essential role in maintaining directional stability and preventing the helicopter from spinning uncontrollably.

Witness accounts describing unusual noises and abnormal rotor movement prompted investigators to examine the possibility of mechanical failure.

Weather conditions were reportedly calm, with no significant winds reported at the time.

Greek authorities began examining the aircraft, flight records and available security camera footage to establish the precise circumstances of the crash.

The British Foreign Office also confirmed that it was providing consular support to the families and remained in contact with Greek authorities.

TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR THE COUPLE

Following the tragedy, Blackstone released a statement expressing shock over the deaths of its colleague and his wife.

The company described Alexander as beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him, extending its thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.

Bain & Company also paid tribute to Marie, describing her as a deeply respected colleague who would be greatly missed.

The company expressed condolences to both families and the friends and colleagues grieving the couple.

The tragedy has left two families mourning the loss of a young couple whose future together had only just begun.

A honeymoon that was meant to celebrate love and a new beginning ended in an unimaginable disaster.

Alexander and Marie had boarded the helicopter expecting to reach their island destination. They never arrived.

Source: The Sun, Sky News, PEOPLE, RTÉ News.