CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The FAA says a helicopter crashed seven miles southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia.
The plane crashed around 4:50 p.m.
There were two people on board, according to the FAA.
Virginia State Police said there were "two confirmed fatalities."
Police said the pilot, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, 48, of Midlothian, Virginia, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, 40, of Quinton, Virginia died at the scene.
No one on the ground was injured.
The crash comes as violent clashes broke out Saturday during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.
Officials say the crash is linked to the clashes.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Virginia State Police are investigating the crash, which took place in a wooded area.
NEW: Virginia State Police says 2 of its personnel were killed in helicopter crash while assisting with ongoing situation in Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/Ju0zEL6jdv
— ABC News (@ABC) August 13, 2017
NEW: FAA says a helicopter crashed 7 miles southwest of Charlottesville at about 4:50 pm; 2 people were on board; FAA investigating.
— ABC News (@ABC) August 12, 2017
MORE: Virginia State Police say "two confirmed fatalities” after helicopter crash in Albemarle County, Virginia; crash under investigation. pic.twitter.com/jumeHFum0H
— ABC News (@ABC) August 12, 2017
#BREAKING: FAA: State Police helicopter crashes with two on board in Charlottesville: https://t.co/sb62hoLA8k pic.twitter.com/vipYhhvnBJ
— ABC 7 News - WJLA (@ABC7News) August 12, 2017
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