Britain’s only female Royal Navy commando Lt Lily-Mae Fisher was one of the three victims of the Devon helicopter crash tragedy as tributes have been paid to an “extraordinary woman”
Tributes have been paid to Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, who tragically passed away following a helicopter crash in Devon, as her family paid tribute to an “extraordinary woman”.
Lt Fisher, 31, passed away alongside 42-year-old Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Petty Officer Owen Green following the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, just before 4am on Wednesday (June 4).
She was Britain’s only serving female commando and described the honour as a “massive privilege and a huge honour to serve my country”.
Lt Fisher amassed a following on social media where she discussed her incredible journey in the Navy and her experiences as woman in the forces to inspire people.
She was also known on TV screens for appearing on hit ITV shows Ninja Warrior UK and dating show Take Me Out. Lt Fisher spoke fondly on social media of her time on Take Me Out after followers asked her why she had appeared on the show in what she called “the most surreal 5 days of my life”.
Writing on Instagram, she said: “I’ve been asked a lot why did you/why would you want to go Take Me Out? In my opinion, life is about experiences, challenges, meeting amazing people, memories you can take with you when you’re old, not earning loads of money, or material things.
“Going on Take Me Out was one of the most surreal 5 days of my life from filming in the UK to going to the isle of Fernando then returning back to uni at the time, like nothing had happened. Something I’ll remember forever and what a fun few days it was!”
Lt Fisher once again looked back at her time on the show just weeks ago on the twelfth anniversary of her appearance and what the show taught her about life.
She said: “Twelve years ago today I stepped way out of my comfort zone and onto the set of @takemeoutuk — yes, the iconic, chaotic Saturday night dating show hosted by Paddy McGuinness. At the time it just felt like a fun, random, crazy thing to do. A good story for later.
“What I didn’t expect was how much it would actually teach me. Standing there with bright lights in your face, a live audience, and millions watching at home… you learn pretty quickly to: Keep your cool under pressure, Know who you are (and own it), Laugh at yourself, Just go for it.
“Over 35,000 girls applied that year. Around 60 made it on. 32 got a date. I had nothing to lose, so why not? Glad I said yes. Growth doesn’t always come from serious moments. Sometimes it comes from doing something slightly ridiculous and seeing what happens. Wouldn’t change it.”
Lt Fisher also appeared on Ninja Warrior UK during series four of the ITV show hosted by Ben Shepherd and Chris Kamara.
Since news of her passing, numerous social media users flooded Instagram to pay their respects and pass on well wishers to her family.
In a statement from the Royal Navy, Lt Fisher’s family also paid tribute. They said: “Lily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.
“We are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.”
Lt Fisher grew up in Virginia Water, Surrey and graduated from Imperial College London in 2016 after studying geology. She joined the University Army Officer Training Corps in 2012 and then the University Air Squadron in 2013.
The talented sportswoman worked as an exploration geologist for BP for two years, until she resigned in 2018 – accepting a commission in the Royal Navy around a year later.
Among her helicopter flying training, Lt Fisher represented Great Britain at the European Age Group Triathlon Championships in 2021.
After a stint in a supporting role to a specialist maritime unit, she successfully completed the 16-week All Arms Commando Course – something very few women have completed to date. Completing the course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines meant she became Britain’s only serving female Royal Navy commando.
Speaking last year, Lt Fisher said: “The body achieves what the mind believes. I love to test myself and challenge myself constantly.”
She added: “If the call was to ever come to go to war, you know, it is my responsibility and my duty to serve in the armed forces, be it in peacetime or at wartime.”
Asked whether she believed a woman could eventually pass the Royal Marines course, Lt Fisher told the BBC last year: “Absolutely. Absolutely, I do think it is possible to pass it.”
She added: “It took me five years to get into the Navy because I kept failing and kept failing and I knew I wanted to be here and I eventually (got) here and I’ve had a really great career.
“Just commit 100% to it if you want to be Marine, if you want to do the commando course – you’ve got to commit with everything you’ve got, and it is possible. It’s not an impossible task.”
Elsewhere, Lt Fisher was selected as a watch keeper during the UK military’s response to the Channel migrant crisis – responsible for securing and recovering those making the journey to prevent deaths at sea.
She posted on social media about some of her achievements, including being able to step into the cockpit of a Merlin helicopter for the first time in August last year.
Outside her career in the military, Lt Fisher also posted about her participation in ultra-marathons in events across the world.
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