News Summary
In Huntington Beach, residents are uniting to support young Oliver Holland, who is recovering from severe injuries following a helicopter crash. The incident occurred during a day out at the beach, prompting a GoFundMe campaign by his sister to cover medical expenses. Community support has already raised nearly $105,000. Despite the tragedy, there is an outpouring of compassion for Oliver as the investigation into the crash begins.
Huntington Beach: Community Rallies Around Young Oliver Holland After Helicopter Mishap
In the sunny coastal city of Huntington Beach, California, residents are coming together to support a young boy recovering from severe injuries sustained in a tragic helicopter crash. The incident took place on October 11, 2025, when 11-year-old Oliver Holland was enjoying a day at the beach. What was meant to be a fun outing quickly turned into a nightmare when a helicopter reportedly malfunctioned and crashed, leaving Oliver in urgent need of medical assistance.
Describing the Heroic Boy
Oliver’s family describes him as “the smartest, funniest boy,” and his sister, Madeline Ashwell, has taken to creating a GoFundMe page to help cover his significant medical expenses. The campaign has gained momentum, swiftly amassing nearly $105,000 towards the targeted $120,000 goal. The overwhelming community support speaks volumes about the impact Oliver has had on those around him.
The Crash: A Terrifying Scene Unfolds
Witnesses reported the helicopter hovering above before suddenly losing control, spinning and crashing onto the beach. Shockingly, video footage revealed that the helicopter was a 1980 Bell 222, piloted by Eric Nixon. The scene was chaotic, with people rushing to aid after noticing a child trapped beneath the wreckage.
Emergency responders from the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) confirmed that five people were taken to local hospitals due to injuries caused by the crash, including Nixon himself, who sustained multiple serious injuries, such as broken ribs and crushed vertebrae.
A Day at the Beach Turns into a Nightmare
The helicopter crash occurred near the Waterfront Beach Resort along the Pacific Coast Highway around 2 p.m. local time. Eyewitnesses noted that just moments before the crash, unsettling sounds were coming from the helicopter, which added to the panic as bystanders scattered to avoid debris. The helicopter was reportedly part of a “landing party” event associated with Cars ‘N Copters on the Coast, showcasing helicopters and cars that weekend.
As the afternoon turned into a scene resembling something out of a movie, debris was strewn across the beach, and the police later confirmed that the helicopter’s tail rotor had detached before the impact. This catastrophic malfunction ultimately led to public outcry and confusion.
Investigation On The Way
City officials are acting swiftly, confirming that both the FAA and NTSB are leading investigations into what caused this alarming crash. While the tragic event sent waves of concern through the community, it also drew strength through unity as local residents band together to support the Holland family.
The Broader Impact
In addition to Oliver, the crash also injured at least two other adults and another child, heightening the importance of thorough investigations into aviation safety. The Pacific Coast Highway experienced temporary closures for several hours as authorities worked diligently at the crash site, ensuring the safety of the ongoing investigation.
As Oliver Holland now recovers from a collapsed lung and a brain bleed, the outpouring of love from friends, family, and strangers serves as a beacon of hope. The community is planning additional fundraising efforts to reach that $120,000 goal, proving that while a tragic event can shake the foundations of joy, it can also spark a collective spirit of compassion and support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Helicopter Crash in Huntington Beach Injures Five
Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- People
- Google Search: Huntington Beach helicopter crash
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: helicopter crash California
- New York Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: helicopter crash
- CBS News
- Google News: helicopter crash Huntington Beach
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
