Wednesday, June 07, 2017

What was helicopter doing at Gettysburg National Military Park?

Officials at Gettysburg National Military Park are still trying to determine what a low-flying helicopter was doing over Devil's Den Sunday morning.

Katie Lawhon, park spokeswoman, said they're asking the public to share any information they have with park law enforcement officers.

The park received reports Sunday about a helicopter flying low over Devil's Den around 10:15 a.m. possibly dropping materials.

With an estimated 100,000 followers on Facebook, Lawhon said that's where they reached out for information from the public.

There have been prior reports of low-flying helicopters at the park Lawhon said, but none recently.

The incident was reported to the FAA for investigation, and Lawhon said the public has responded with tips.

While some are wondering if the helicopter was dropping a deceased person's ashes, Lawhon said she has no information to support that hypotheses.

Lawhon said she's never heard of anyone asking for permission to spread remains by air.

"I do not think it's something we would permit," she said.

"Human remains may only be scattered at the park by permit, and only in certain areas," Lawhon said, which are a prescribed distance from monuments. "It is a broad area," she added.

It is not an uncommon occurrence, she added.

While there are no new interment sites available at the national cemetery at Gettysburg, Lawhon said there are occasional burials at graves of predeceased spouses.

Here's the post you can see on the park's Facebook page:

On Sunday June 4th, at approximately 10:15 AM, an incident was reported to park law enforcement where a helicopter was observed operating at low altitudes and possibly dropping materials while in flight in the vicinity of Devil's Den. Anyone having knowledge this incident is asked to please contact NPS Law Enforcement Ranger Dan Holler by email at dan_holler@nps.gov or by phone at 717-338-4498

Original article can be found here: http://www.pennlive.com

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