Captain Christopher Stover, a pilot on the US Pave Hawk helicopter which crashed in Cley on Tuesday, was 28-years-old.

A graduate of Evergreen High School, in Vancouver, Washington, Captain Stover died doing what he loved, according to his father, Rick.

'On behalf of the Stover family, my wife, my daughter and my daughter-in-law, I want to express our deepest appreciation of the support and prayers we have received from our extended family, friends, co-workers and people that knew Chris.

'Chris was doing what he truly enjoyed, flying. Chris touched so many lives and left everyone better for it. We are proud of his service to our country. We all miss him so very much,' he said.

Former schoolmates and neighbours said they had been shocked by his death.

Jason Schultz, a former high school cross country coach, described him as 'an outstanding individual.'

'He was incredibly intelligent, had a great personality, was a strong leader, had an awesome smile and came from a great family. He will be sorely missed,' he said.

Michael Duc knew Capt Stover when he was growing up.

He said:'He was part of the family around here. I mean I'm just shocked right now. I can't believe it.'

'He was just such a great guy. He was upbeat and had a good sense of humor. He was just so nice and you couldn't ask for a nicer guy.'

Just over a month ago, on December 1, Captain Stover and his wife, Sarah, celebrated their first wedding anniversary.