Breaking: Newlywed Couple Dies in Greece Helicopter Crash

A newlywed British couple died on Monday in a helicopter crash on the Greek island of Sifnos, cutting short their honeymoon and leaving both families and employers in shock. Alexander Cromie, 30, and Marie Ebert, 31, from London, were killed alongside their pilot, Giorgos Raikos, when the privately chartered Bell 206 aircraft spiralled out of control and exploded just metres from its landing pad near the village of Exambela. Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Key facts at a glance

• Date: Monday, 17 August 2026
• Location: Near Exambela, Sifnos, Greece
• Aircraft: Bell 206 helicopter
• Victims: Alexander Cromie, 30; Marie Ebert, 31; pilot Giorgos Raikos, 53
• Cause: Suspected mechanical failure (under investigation)

What happened on Sifnos?

The crash occurred around 18:15 local time on 17 August 2026, moments before the helicopter was due to land after a flight from Markopoulo, near Athens. Witnesses told local media they heard a 'strange noise' before seeing the aircraft rotate erratically and plunge to the ground, erupting into a fireball. Deputy Mayor Manolis Fountoulakis described the wreckage as a 'shapeless mass', adding that two charred bodies were found inside and a third nearby. The fire was later extinguished by emergency services. The Cyclades island of Sifnos is a popular destination for honeymooners and private helicopter transfers from Athens.

Who were the victims?

Alexander Cromie was a vice-president of private wealth solutions at Blackstone's London office, while Marie Ebert worked as a senior specialist at the consultancy Bain & Company. Both firms issued statements expressing shock and offering condolences. 'Alex was loved by everyone who knew him and worked with him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,' a Blackstone spokesperson said. Bain & Company said it was 'devastated by the tragic accident.'

Pilot had extensive experience

The pilot, Giorgos Raikos, was a retired Greek Air Force officer and father of three with extensive experience flying Chinook helicopters. Greek media reported he had sent a routine landing message before radio contact was lost. Cromie worked at global investment firm Blackstone, while Ebert was a consultant at Bain & Company.

What caused the crash?

Greek police and aviation officials suspect a mechanical fault. Witnesses reported a bizarre engine noise, and the civil aviation authority has recalled all Bell 206 helicopters in Greece pending further investigation. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and will examine the helicopter's maintenance records. The National Organisation for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety is leading the inquiry, with autopsies on the three victims expected.

Impact and investigation

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular support and is in contact with Greek authorities. The crash caused no other casualties or property damage, but it has shaken the small island community and prompted fresh scrutiny of private helicopter safety standards in the region. Blackstone and Bain & Company are both major employers in London, and the deaths have prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. This tragedy follows other fatal helicopter crashes in Greece that have raised safety concerns.

FAQ

Where did the helicopter crash happen?

The crash happened on the island of Sifnos in the Cyclades, Greece, near the village of Exambela, just metres from the helipad.

Who died in the Sifnos helicopter crash?

British newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, and Greek pilot Giorgos Raikos, were killed.

What caused the helicopter to crash?

Authorities suspect a mechanical fault, but an investigation is ongoing. Witnesses reported a strange engine noise before the crash.

What type of helicopter crashed?

The aircraft was a Bell 206, a two-bladed single-engine helicopter commonly used for private transfers.