Newton County, Mississippi – Jason Wimberly, a 51-year-old pilot from Jackson, Mississippi, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on Friday, August 23, 2024. The accident occurred near Farm to Market Road 1414, about six miles northeast of Newton.
Wimberly was piloting a helicopter registered to Callaway Land Management, a company based in Lumberton. According to reports, the helicopter missed its landing mark and flipped over, leading to the fatal accident.
Jason’s brother, Michael Wimberly, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, describing Jason as an adventurous spirit. "Jason was always a daring soul, whether it was speeding across the water at 60 miles per hour or flying helicopters at low altitudes. Unfortunately, this time, his wild streak led to a tragic end," Michael Wimberly shared.
The crash also resulted in injuries to a bystander who was struck by one of the helicopter’s landing skids. The individual, whose identity has not been released, was near a fuel truck at the time and was taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is involved in the investigation, and both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently looking into the cause of the crash.
The Wimberly family is mourning the loss of Jason and has requested privacy during this difficult time. They have asked the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this tragic loss.