Porterville, CA - The City of Porterville mourns the tragic loss of Miles Elliott, a Porterville native and helicopter pilot who lost his life while supporting firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah.
Miles was one of two pilots aboard a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter that crashed on Friday, August 7. The aircraft was operating under an exclusive-use contract with the U.S. Forest Service, and both pilots were employees of Helicopter Transport Services.
A Porterville High School graduate, Miles had deep roots in the community. He is survived by his fiancée, Briana Groves, and their son, Truxton, as well as his mother and sister, along with extended family, friends, fellow firefighters and aviators, and a community that will deeply feel his absence.
“Miles represented the very best of Porterville. He was a devoted father, pilot, entrepreneur, photographer, mentor, and an incredibly gifted person who used his talents to serve others and give back to the community he called home. He served on the Porterville Airport Committee and the Porterville Little League Board, giving his time and talents back to the community he loved.
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Briana, Truxton, and everyone who loved Miles during this incredibly difficult time.
“Miles traveled across our nation fighting wildland fires, putting the lives and safety of others before his own. It was a life of service and selflessness, and ultimately, he gave his life while protecting others. Miles will be remembered as a hero, and the City of Porterville will honor him as one. We will honor his sacrifice, remember his service, and make sure his legacy in Porterville is never forgotten,” said Mayor Greg Meister.
In recognition of Miles and his service, flags at City facilities will be lowered. Members of the Porterville Police and Fire Departments will also provide support in honoring Miles with the dignity and respect afforded to a fallen local hero.
Miles lived with curiosity, passion, and a desire to give back. An accomplished helicopter and airplane pilot, he was a familiar presence at the Porterville Municipal Airport, where he kept his helicopter and became a fixture within the local aviation community. Miles and Briana both served on the City of Porterville Airport Committee. His passion for aviation also extended to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Flights Program, where he helped introduce young people to the experience of flight.
“Miles was the kind of friend who would do anything for you, without hesitation or expectation,” said Russell Isom, City of Porterville Transportation Director. “His mind was never still. He could get an idea in the middle of the night and be out working on his CNC machine trying to bring it to life. That was Miles. He was always thinking, creating, and excited about what he could do next. But nothing meant more to him than Briana and Truxton. The Porterville Airport community lost one of its own, and I lost a good friend. We are going to miss him.”
While Porterville grieves the loss of Miles, the City also extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the second pilot who lost his life in the accident.
Miles will be remembered not simply for what he accomplished, but for the people whose lives he touched. His service to others, love for his family, and commitment to his community leave a legacy that will not be forgotten.
The City of Porterville asks the community to keep Briana, Truxton, Miles’s mother and sister, the entire Elliott family, and all those affected by this tragedy in their thoughts and prayers and to respect the families’ privacy as they grieve this tremendous loss.
Information regarding funeral services and opportunities for the community to honor Miles will be shared as arrangements are finalized.