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Person decapitated by helicopter at airport in Florida, death investigation underway

Posted at 5:28 PM, Jan 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-10 18:32:48-05

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — A death investigation is underway in Hernando County, Florida after a person was decapitated by a helicopter at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.

According to Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, they received a call for help around 3:35 p.m. on Thursday.

The FAA says the person was on the ground performing maintenance on the helicopter when they were struck.

When deputies arrived, they found a person dead near a hanger on airport property located along Flight Path Drive in Brooksville.

The identity of the victim has not released. Investigators are in the process of notifying next of kin.

Nienhuis said they are contacting the NAA and NTSB to see whether they will take over the investigation.

The sheriff said they will investigate thoroughly to rule out foul play, but at this time, "This does appear to be an accident," Nienhuis said.

Story developing, refresh for updates.