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Coroner Identifies Victims In Acton Helicopter Crash

ACTON (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Monday identified three men who were killed in a helicopter crash over the weekend.

The Los Angeles County Coroner has identified the victims as pilot David Gibbs, 59, of Valencia, 46-year-old Darren Rydstrom, of Whittier, and Michael Donatelli, 45, of Pennsylvania.

The fatal crash happened just before 4 a.m. Sunday in the 5700 block of Soledad Canyon Road, officials said.

Acton Helicopter Crash Victims
(credit CA DMV)

The helicopter went down on Polsa Rosa Ranch — an area typically rented out by film crews. Investigators say the production company, Eyeworks USA, had rented the chopper to be used as part of a military-based reality show for the Discovery Channel.

Eyeworks USA is best known for creating "The Biggest Loser".

It's not known if the accident happened during filming for the show.

The National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration and law enforcement agencies are investigating the cause of the crash.

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