Investigation continues into Aug. 7 Alton helicopter crash, two fatalities mourned
Fatalities identified on Friday; Ameren Illinois, J.F. Electric share official statements on Thursday
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal
[email protected]
On Friday, Aug. 8, the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner identified the two fatalities of the helicopter crash in Alton that had occurred on the previous morning: the pilot, 35-year-old Nicholas R. Fulton of Salem, Mo., and 37-year-old electrical lineman Michael C. Curry of Ashley, Ill.
Other media reports indicated that Fulton was the vice president of Excel Helicopters LLC, the Salem, Mo.-based company that owned the aircraft officials confirmed crashed on Thursday. Curry was a lineman; a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 702 and a J.F. Electric Inc. employee. J.F. Electric is based out of Edwardsville, Ill.
Ameren issued an official statement following the crash on Thursday morning, Aug. 7, 2025, where the in-flight helicopter had made contact with an aerial power line and burst into flames before falling out of flight and onto a barge on the Mississippi River near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam in Alton, resulting in the loss of both its occupants. Ameren officials noted that the crash occurred during repair work on tower lighting and marker balls on power lines.
Ameren officials further acknowledged that the work was being conducted by an Ameren Illinois contractor and its subcontractor. Also as a part of its released statement following the incident, Ameren expressed its sympathy: “We are saddened about today’s tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues. We will cooperate with the investigation.”
J.F Electric, the contractor completing the work for Ameren Illinois and Curry’s employer, also released a statement on Thursday morning:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm a serious incident occurred earlier today involving one of our employees and a subcontractor. Tragically, the incident resulted in the passing of both the employee and subcontractor. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing any additional details at this time. Our thoughts are with their loved ones, colleagues, and all those affected by this loss. We are providing support to our employees, including on-site grief counseling, and remain focused on caring for our team during this difficult time. J.F. Electric is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their review of the incident.”
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances that surrounded the incident and led to the crash and collision between the helicopter and the barge.
