Pilot and passenger identified in deadly helicopter crash near Kinney-Uvalde County line

Kinney County officials identified William Garrett Robertson as the pilot and Earle Blakely Hunnicutt as the passenger of the deadly helicopter crash near the Kinney-Uvalde County line on Thursday

BRACKETTVILLE, Texas – 22-year Navy veteran AJ Norris says he was on a helicopter for a hog hunt the day before a deadly crash near the Kinney County and Uvalde County line on Thursday.

He documented his trip, which took place on Wednesday, during that hunt.

Norris says his entire experience on the hunt was great.

He also says he feels terrible about what happened the very next day and for the families of the two people killed.

AJ Norris said, ‘My thoughts and prayers are with the lost ones and their families. Honestly, you really think about the fact that you’re not promised tomorrow and that all of our time here needs to be cherished because you never know when you’re going to go.'”

Norris says he has been in contact with the pilot’s family and had the opportunity to express his condolences to them directly.

The crash happened near U.S. Highway 90, near Harris Ranch, on Friday, February 28, 2025, around 1:20 p.m. A Robinson R44 helicopter crashed west of Uvalde with two people on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).