Wreckage from the helicopter crash that killed billionaire coal magnate Chris Cline, his daughter Kameron, and five others has been pulled from the waters off Grand Cay in the Bahamas. The mangled remains of the aircraft were lifted from the ocean days after the July 4, 2019, tragedy, revealing the extent of the violent impact that claimed all seven lives on board.
Images released during the recovery operation show the helicopter’s twisted fuselage and shattered rotor blades being hoisted from the turquoise waters. Investigators say the aircraft, a Bell 407, went down shortly after takeoff in the early morning hours. The group was reportedly en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after Cline’s daughter began feeling unwell during their stay on the island.
Chris Cline, 60, was a well-known figure in American business and philanthropy. The West Virginia native made his fortune through coal mining ventures and was often referred to as the “King of Coal.” Beyond business, he was known for his charitable giving, particularly to educational institutions such as Marshall University, which received millions in donations from him over the years.
Cline’s daughter, Kameron, 22, had recently graduated from Louisiana State University and was described by friends as bright, kind, and deeply close to her father. The crash also killed her friends Jillian Clark, Brittney Searson, and Delaney Wykle, all in their early twenties. Two pilots were on board—identified as 52-year-old British pilot David Jude and 45-year-old co-pilot Geoffrey Painter.
The tragedy shocked both the Bahamas and Cline’s hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, where residents gathered for vigils to honor the family. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a longtime friend of Cline’s, described him as “a very special person” who “never forgot where he came from.”
According to early reports, the helicopter took off from Cline’s private pad around 2 a.m. in poor visibility and heavy rain. Witnesses later told investigators that they saw the aircraft disappear into the darkness moments after takeoff. It never made radio contact after departing the island. When the helicopter failed to arrive in Florida, a search and rescue mission was launched. The wreckage was discovered the next day in about 16 feet of water, roughly two miles from Grand Cay.
The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, working alongside U.S. agencies. Preliminary findings pointed to possible spatial disorientation or mechanical failure, though no final report was immediately released.
The recovery of the wreckage marked a somber milestone for the families of those lost, offering at least some answers about what happened that night. For many, however, the loss remains immeasurable.
Chris Cline’s legacy continues through the Cline Family Foundation, which supports education, health, and community development projects—reflecting the generosity of a man whose success was matched by his commitment to giving back
