Algarve resident Harriet Nicholson, who was on a tourist helicopter that crashed into the East River in New York last month, died in hospital in the early hours of Sunday, November 6.
The New York medical examiner’s office said the cause of death was a shortage of oxygen to the brain, a result of near-drowning,
Harriet Nicholson, 60, who lived near Olhão with her husband Paul, was in New York last month to celebrate her daughter Sonia Marra’s 40th birthday.
Along with husband Paul, daughter Sonia Marra and her daughter’s partner Helen Tamaki, Harriet boarded a tourist helicopter piloted by Paul Dudley on October 4.
Seconds after takeoff from the East 34th Street Heliport, the Bell 206 helicopter experienced problems and fell into the water.
Sonia Marra drowned in the crash and Helen Tamaki died a few days later in hospital.
Paul Nicholson and pilot Paul Dudley survived the crash.
On October 8, Paul Nicholson, who is a regular supporter of the Olhanense Expat Supporters Group, had told Algarve resident Chris Wright from the group that his wife Harriet had opened her eyes but was still in a coma.
Chris Wright told the Algarve Resident: “This came as a complete shock to us all as Harriet had been making slow but steady progress since regaining consciousness.
“Our deepest sympathy and prayers are extended to Paul and Harriet’s family.”
The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
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