Family of a helicopter pilot killed in a California wildfire reaches a $15 million settlement
Michael Fournier was making water drops on Aug. 19, 2020 over hilly, rugged terrain when his bright red Bell UH-1H copter suddenly plunged into a hillside as he was helping battle the Hills Fire burning 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the small Central Valley town of Coalinga.
Fournier worked for a private Southern California company that contracts with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, and other agencies to provide firefighting aircraft and other services. 'The Fournier family's lawsuit sought answers and accountability, and this result does just that,' said Andrew Robb, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit. Robb said the family would not be making any public comments.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board's concluded that the helicopter crashed because of 'a hydraulic system failure.' Moments before the crash Fournier radioed to air traffic control that he was having trouble with the helicopter's hydraulics, Robb said.
Fournier was working with Guardian Helicopters, which is based in Fillmore, California and at the time had a contract with Cal Fire to provide emergency services. The settlement was paid by Rotorcraft Support, Inc., the company that maintained the helicopter.
A phone message left with the helicopter maintenance company was not immediately returned Friday. Fournier's copter went down in a remote, hilly, smoke-filled area that took a Fresno County Sheriff's Department search and rescue team nearly four hours to reach.
Fourteen team members in five Jeeps traveled for miles through soft dirt under smoke-filled skies, finally abandoning the vehicles to walk the last several hundred yards to the crash site. There, they carefully wrapped the body in an American flag and carried it to one of the vehicles.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE: Remarkably preserved 7th-century Christian cross unearthed on Sir Bani Yas Island
The monastery complex on Sir Bani Yas Island includes courtyard houses where monks lived in seclusion, indicating a structured early Christian community/ Image: National A newly uncovered Christian cross from a seventh- to eighth-century monastery on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island is offering rare insight into the region's deep-rooted religious coexistence. Found during the first major excavation on the island in more than 30 years, the discovery marks a significant moment in the UAE's archaeological record and strengthens the narrative of its multicultural past. A rediscovery three decades in the making In January 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) launched a new archaeological campaign on Sir Bani Yas Island, located off the coast of the Al Dhafra region. This marked the first major excavation on the island in over 30 years. Among the season's most significant findings was a Christian cross, moulded on a plaster (stucco) plaque, uncovered within one of the courtyard buildings near a historic monastery. The cross, believed to have been used by monks for spiritual reflection, is linked to the Church of the East, an early Christian denomination with origins in ancient Iraq. It bears stylistic similarities to religious artefacts previously found in Iraq and Kuwait, pointing to the monastery's connection with a broader religious network that once spanned from the Middle East to as far as China. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Measuring 27 centimetres in length, 17 centimetres in width, and about 2 centimetres thick, the plaster cross is adorned with regional motifs. These include a stepped pyramid representing Golgotha, the hill where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, sprouting leaves at the base, dots at the tips of the cross arms, and an arched niche design. According to archaeologist Maria Gajewska, who leads the excavation team, 'Visually, every element of the plaster cross incorporates regional motifs… all find regional parallels in the Gulf and Mesopotamia. ' Speaking to The National , Gajewska described the discovery as 'an extremely exciting find' and a rare instance where archaeologists can clearly identify the community that once occupied a space. 'We were just digging in the right place… Incredible,' she said. The story behind the find The cross was discovered face down in February 2025 by Hager Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist with DCT Abu Dhabi. 'The plaster was resting face down and something about it caught my attention,' she told The National . 'There was a distinct fingerprint on the back.' Thinking the print alone was significant, Al Menhali proposed registering the object as a special find. But when the team carefully turned it over, they were stunned to see a well-preserved cross. 'This was one of the most significant discoveries of the season,' said Al Menhali. The discovery took place within a courtyard house to the north of the island's main church and monastery site, an area that had not been explored in depth until this season. This zone is now considered to have been used by monks in retreat or seclusion. The surrounding buildings, some constructed with limestone and coral native to the island, feature thick walls and water cisterns, indications of a lifestyle more comfortable than one of strict asceticism. These features suggest the early Christian residents were not merely hermits but members of a larger, structured monastic community. Unearthing a rich and layered past Sir Bani Yas has long held archaeological significance. A Christian monastery dating back to the seventh or eighth century CE was first discovered there in 1992 by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS), under the UAE's leadership. Since then, excavations have revealed a church and monastic complex believed to have operated simultaneously. Current interpretations suggest that while the monastery served as a broader communal religious site, individual monks would retreat to courtyard homes nearby for isolated contemplation. The recent discovery of the plaster cross provides strong evidence that Christianity was not confined to the monastery, but permeated other parts of the island community. At its peak, Christianity in the Arabian Peninsula thrived between the fourth and sixth centuries CE. Sir Bani Yas is part of a network of Christian sites that emerged during this period, with parallels found in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Christianity on the island is believed to have coexisted with Islam until the eighth century CE, when the site was peacefully abandoned. Interestingly, the archaeological team has found no evidence of sudden destruction or conflict at the site. Instead, the clean and intact condition of the buildings suggests an intentional departure, possibly with the expectation of return. Additional finds from this season include pottery fragments and a sea-green glass bottle, likely used to hold oil or rosewater. These artefacts, along with others such as a stamp seal with a scorpion motif and glass chalices from earlier digs, are now on display at a small on-site exhibition. Preservation and the path ahead The Sir Bani Yas church and monastery are now sheltered and preserved, thanks to restoration works carried out by DCT Abu Dhabi in 2019. The site is open to the public, featuring improved signage and visitor facilities. A multi-faith church, inspired by the original structures, has also been constructed near the visitor centre to symbolise the values of unity and coexistence. Further excavation is planned at the courtyard houses, with the intention of integrating them into a larger cultural trail connecting significant sites across the island. Native wildlife, including Arabian gazelles and rock hyraxes, species known to inhabit the island since ancient times, are also part of the broader heritage landscape. DCT Abu Dhabi is conducting radiocarbon dating and in-depth analysis of the newly unearthed artefacts. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the wider significance of the discovery, linking it to the UAE's enduring cultural values. 'The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. It stirs within us a deep sense of pride and honour and reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history.' He also highlighted the long-term impact of archaeological work on the island and its relevance for future generations: 'The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding… These discoveries deepen our connection to the past and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of unity and mutual respect that has long defined our community.'
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Marketing to a lonely planet
Remember, Airtel's 'har ek friend zaroori hota hai' . Or Bagpiper's 'jab mil baithenge teen yaar…' that celebrated the unbreakable bonds of friendship . Once considered an impregnable fortress, that castle called friendship is under threat as a "friendship recession" hits the world. In an increasingly interconnected world, a silent epidemic is taking root, threatening the very fabric of human well-being; a profound decline in close personal relationships. A recently released report by Rediffusion Consumer Lab shed light on this global phenomenon, revealing a stark reality that extends from bustling American cities to communities across India and beyond. The data paints a concerning picture. In the United States, the percentage of adults reporting no close friends has quadrupled since 1990, now standing at a striking 12 per cent. Even more dramatically, the time Americans dedicate to friendships has plummeted from a weekly average of 6.5 hours between 2003-2014, to a mere 2.75 hours by 2021. This isn't an isolated American trend. The report emphasises it as a widespread global issue affecting both developed and developing nations. The causes of this decline are multifaceted, woven into the fabric of modern life. Urban sprawl, the rise of remote work, and the shrinking of public spaces where casual interactions once thrived, all contribute to this downfall. Perhaps most notably, the seductive convenience of digital communication and the pervasive influence of social media platforms like doomscrolling on Instagram and TikTok play a significant role too. While these platforms offer an illusion of widespread connection, the report suggests they often foster "shallow" ties rather than the deep, intimate bonds essential for human flourishing. Only a small percentage of close friendships are formed purely online, indicating that virtual connections rarely replace the quality of face-to-face interactions. Santosh Desai, chief executive officer of Futurebrands and founder of Think 9 Consumer Technologies says, 'Friendship has become more complex. There is a certain expectation that you have from friends, and when you mix these two things –friendship which has a dynamic of its own and then the social media where that friendship gets presented– it complicates things because it introduces an element, which for the lack of a better word can be called, political, where you have to figure out what does that person think about me.' Desai adds that this is the reason why one often finds a lot of young people using therapy speak, like 'red flag', 'toxic' and so on. The result: friendship from being a place that was simple and uncomplicated is now a complex web, to put it mildly. 'There was a time, where one could be themselves, let their head down and was a counter point to the complexity of adult society where you are expected to play roles. That is no longer as easy,' Desai sums it up. Given this backdrop, would an ad like Airtel's Har Ek Friend work in today's context? Airtel Har Friend Zaroori Hai, Yaar Veteran creative director Agnello Dias , who was associated with the creation of the Airtel ad, more than 14 years ago, states, 'I'm not entirely sure if we are in an era of superficial relationships." He partly concedes that while the essence of friendships may be diluted, it continues to be relevant, "not necessarily because people like the ad, but because people continue to like their friends". The Rediffusion Consumer Lab study, however states, this "friendship recession" is far more than a social statistic; it carries significant consequences for mental and physical health. Social scientist Richard Reeves starkly warns that "loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day," a comparison that underscores the severe health implications of lacking meaningful connections. The absence of close friends is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even a heightened risk of premature mortality, rivaling the dangers of smoking or obesity. Sandeep Goyal , managing director, Rediffusion, feels that this presents an opportunity for brands to foster community and engagement by leveraging closed communities or forums to encourage discussions and build a sense of belonging using social media effectively. 'One should encourage customers to share their experiences, promoting authenticity and social proof or use polls, Q&A sessions, or contests to engage audiences and stimulate conversations,' he says. The report also delves into the nuances of friendship across genders and cultures. It highlights that while women often form friendships based on personal support and reciprocation, male friendships frequently revolve around shared activities and a sense of loyalty, often expressed less overtly emotionally. Cultural norms, particularly the collectivist nature of East Asian societies versus the individualism of Western Europe, also influence how friendships are formed and maintained, with some Asian countries showing higher rates of social isolation. Desai argues. 'I would struggle to correlate that with the Indian reality. Friends are still a very important part of you. If you want to just look at the whole going-out phenomenon. The post Covid boom that happened in people going out hasn't abated. It's evident from the fact that we see so many new kinds of places opening and there is so much excitement happening in the out-of-home consumption space.' Reversing this trend As Harvard 's Carolyn Bruckmann suggests, in the report, this reversal in relationships requires both structural and individual efforts. It calls for a conscious resistance to the forces that make solitude the default and a renewed commitment to nurturing genuine connections. The report concludes with a powerful message: friendships are not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for happiness, health, and a sense of belonging. The challenge now is to reclaim the art of friendship, one intentional step at a time, to rebuild the bonds that truly sustain us.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Amicable solution in a week to demand for starting Ganapati immersion procession early: Pune police commissioner
Pune: City police commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Tuesday said an amicable solution would be found in a week's time to the demand from Ganesh mandals for starting the immersion procession earlier than the usual time of 10am. Altogether 60 mandals in Pune have demanded an earlier start to the immersion procession. They said the procession of five Manache Ganapati mandals starts at 10 am, which delays the entire immersion process. They have demanded that they be allowed to commence the procession around 7am before the start of the procession by five Manache Ganapati mandals. The members of mandals alleged that due to the prominence given to the Manache Ganapati mandals, smaller mandals receive secondary treatment and are made to wait for hours before they could start the immersion procession. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune Kumar spoke with mandal representatives at a joint meeting organised by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and district administration. "All the mandals are equal to us as far as enforcement of the law is concerned. The department will hear the points of view of all the stakeholders and take a final call on the demand of mandals accordingly," he said. The joint meeting held at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir was attended by officials of the fire brigade and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Naval Kishore Ram, PMC commissioner, said that the administration is in the process of finalising the preparations for the festival and the mandals should cooperate, too. "A facility like Road Mitra app has been introduced. Citizens as well as mandal workers can report issues pertaining to roads on the app. Any other suggestions from members of mandals are also welcome," he said. A group of small mandals had declared last week that they would break over-a-century-old tradition of giving first preference to Manache Ganapati mandals during immersion. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
