Chris Dougherty funeral: Loved ones say final goodbye to photographer killed in Chopper 6 crash
Chris Dougherty has been part of the Action News crew for 18 years.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Loved ones said their final goodbye on Thursday during a funeral for 45-year-old photographer Chris Dougherty, an Action News team member who died in the Chopper 6 crash last week.
A visitation for friends and family began at 9:30 a.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Glenside.
A memorial Mass followed at 11:30 a.m.
"Flying with him, it could be chaotic and everything is fine," said Nicholas Thomas. "He just kind of brought out the best in you because of his caliber and his character."
There wasn't a conversation to be had about Dougherty without focusing on the most important women in his life. He is described as a devoted dad to his daughters, Keira and Dilan, whom he raised with his wife of 16 years, Elaine.
"He was so proud of his daughters. They were just the light of his life," said Amy Gindin, a former Chopper 6 photographer.
Dougherty was a musician -- a self-taught guitarist and percussionist -- and would often be found playing instruments while waiting for his next chopper assignment.
Dougherty was also a graduate of Springfield Township High School and Kutztown University.
He is being remembered as an amazing friend and an avid Philly sports fan.
"I don't know if I ever knew a man who was so laid back," said Walter Hackett, adding that, "I'd see him get fired up. I'd see him get fired up about them Phillies."
Pilot Monroe Smith, 67, also died in the news helicopter crash. His funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
"I feel so incredibly lucky to have had them in my life," said Gindin, referring to Smith and Dougherty. "It's still really hard to believe that they are gone."
Both men have a long history with our station. Smith has been part of the Action News team through U.S. Helicopters for over 20 years and Dougherty has been part of the crew for 18 years.
They were heading back to Homebase around 8 p.m. Tuesday from an assignment at the Jersey Shore when Chopper 6 crashed.
Chopper 6 ended up in a heavily wooded area of the Wharton State Forest in Washington Township.
NTSB investigators say the full report on what happened could take up to two years to complete.
Chris' family has set up two fundraisers, including a GoFundMe, to help with future tuition expenses for his girls.
WATCH | Friends pay tribute to pilot, photographer killed in Chopper 6 crash
