Deputy Sheriff Patrick Steven Coyle

Patrick Steven Coyle

Deputy Sheriff Patrick Coyle was killed, and another deputy was injured in a helicopter crash in the Sycamore Canyon area at 7:44 pm.

The two deputies were looking for possible trespassers when the Hughes 500 helicopter suddenly lost power and fell from the sky. The tail was sheared off the helicopter on impact, but the passenger compartment remained largely intact.

Deputy Coyle died of his injuries at Sharp Memorial hospital, less than two hours after the crash. The other deputy survived his injuries.

In 1996, Deputy Coyle was presented with a Life Saving Award.

Deputy Coyle had served with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for over nine years and previously served with the Solano County Sheriff's Office for over 13 years. He is survived by his wife and two small children.

The Deputy Pat Coyle Memorial Helipad at the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is named in his honor.