Two dead, including Rio Dell man, in helicopter accident

SULPHUR, LOUISIANA – Two young men, including one from Rio Dell, are dead after a tragic helicopter accident.

26-year-old Travis Chiokai, a graduate of Fortuna High, and 27-year old Nicholas Gamalsk, were working in Sulphur, Louisiana fixing electrical lines Tuesday morning.

While dangling from a helicopter their safety harnesses rubbed against power lines causing them to snap.

Both men fell 100 feet and were pronounced dead on scene.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana does not believe foul play was involved.