Trooper Charles Michael Bassing

Charles Michael Bassing

Trooper Charles Bassing, Investigator Kevin Brosch of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and Detective James Avant of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department were killed in a helicopter crash at 1 pm.

The three officers were being trained by DEA agents as spotters for a marijuana eradication program. The aircraft was taking off from the Mt. Ida Municipal Airport when it experienced a mechanical failure and crashed into the ground. The helicopter, which had just been refueled, burst into flames. All three officers were burned to death as a result.

Trooper Bassing had served with the Arkansas State Police for 9 months. He is survived by his parents, son, and daughter.