Indiana, Pa., veteran dies in helicopter crash

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | 02-12-2013 | Alex Zimmerman

[RS_Rider]

An Indiana, Pa., man was killed Sunday in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles while working on a military-themed reality show for the Discovery Channel.

Michael Donatelli, 45, was one of three people, including the pilot, who were killed in the crash, according to Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Jason Brandenburg. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

The crash occurred about 3:45 a.m. on the Polsa Rosa Ranch in Acton, north of Los Angeles. Officials at the ranch declined to comment.

Mr. Donatelli served four tours of duty in Iraq, worked as a Washington, D.C., police officer and "has been involved in the special operations community for over 20 years," according to the biography listed on AMJ Security and Vehicle Training's website, a company of which he is listed as a co-founder.

The site said Mr. Donatelli was an accomplished amateur boxer and coach.

The reality show the Army and special forces veteran was working on was listed as "Untitled Military Show" on permit documents provided by FilmL.A., a nonprofit that coordinates with governmental authorities in seeking permits for filmmakers.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-north/indiana-pa-veteran-dies-in-helicopter-crash-674939/#ixzz2KiPFL9NW

[RS_Rider]

Michael was the cousin of my good friend. I didn't know him but he sounds like one we need more of and was lost too soon. Prayers up for the Donatelli family.

[sneakers]

Obit from our hometown newspaper, the Indiana Gazette:

http://www.indianagazette.com/a_news/article_b88011c0-5a1e-535d-a696-ddd9f0c51b58.html

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.