British Newlyweds and Pilot Killed in Tragic Helicopter Crash on Greek Island During Honeymoon
A newlywed British couple traveling to begin their honeymoon on the Greek island of Sifnos were killed alongside their pilot when their private air taxi crashed near a local heliport following an apparent mechanical failure.
The Fatal Crash on Sifnos
Alexander Cromie, 32, and his wife, Marie Ebert, had hired the private Bell 206 helicopter to transport them from Markopoulo, near Athens, to the popular Cyclades island of Sifnos. As the aircraft approached the island’s helipad at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time on Monday, local residents reported hearing an unusual noise before the helicopter began rotating erratically in the air, rapidly losing altitude, and slamming into the ground.
The crash instantly engulfed the aircraft in a massive fireball, leaving a blackened wreckage. The pilot, 55-year-old Giorgos Raikos—a retired Greek Air Force officer and married father of three with extensive experience flying military Chinook helicopters—was also killed in the disaster. Emergency services and a Fire Brigade rescue team rushed to the scene, but neither the passengers nor the pilot could be saved. No other individuals or properties on the ground were harmed.
Tributes From the Corporate Sector
Both victims held prominent positions in London’s financial sector. Alexander Cromie worked as the vice president of private wealth solutions at the asset management firm Blackstone, while Marie Ebert was a consultant at Bain & Company, having previously worked at Coller Capital.
In statements released following the tragedy, representatives from both firms expressed deep shock and sorrow. Blackstone paid tribute to Cromie, describing him as “beloved by everyone who knew and worked with him,” while Bain & Company extended their thoughts and support to the grieving families.
The National Organisation for the Investigation of Air and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety has launched an official investigation into the mechanical failure, and the UK Foreign Office confirmed it is in contact with local authorities to provide consular assistance.
