PHOENIX (AZFamily) — July 27, 2007 remains a somber memory in many Arizonans minds and heart — the day four Arizona journalists were killed in a tragic helicopter crash 18 years ago.
Arizona’s Family lost two beloved colleagues in the crash: 3TV photographer Jim Cox and pilot Scott Bowerbank. ABC 15’s pilot Craig Smith and photographer Rick Krolak also died.
On the day of the collision, the two news station helicopters were covering a police chase in the Valley when they crashed mid-air around 12:45 p.m. The helicopters went down at Steele Indian School Park, near Central Avenue and Indian School Road. No one was injured on the ground.
Today, a memorial honoring the four men stands at the park. Each year, family and friends gather to remember them and share stories.
To honor Cox’s legacy and inspire young photojournalists, his family created The James Alan Cox Foundation, which supports student photojournalists with financial aid and opportunities…