Charles Michael Bassing

Trooper Charles Bassing, Investigator Kevin Brosch of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and Detective James Avant of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department were killed in a helicopter crash at 1 pm. The three officers were being trained by DEA agents as spotters for a marijuana eradication program. The aircraft was taking off from the Mt. Ida Municipal Airport when it experienced a mechanical failure and crashed into the ground. The helicopter, which had just been refueled, burst into flames. All three officers were burned to death as a result. Trooper Bassing had served with the Arkansas State Police for 9 months.