OK Family Mourns Father, Killed In Chopper Crash In England

A U.S. Air Force Sergeant with Oklahoma City ties is one of the people killed this week in a helicopter training crash in England. The sergeant's only two children lived in Oklahoma City.

Keelan Mathews, 14, and his sister, 11-year-old Meagan are two brave young children. The last time they saw their father was nearly four years ago. But, Sgt. Dale Mathews was just four months away from returning home.

"I was going to get to see my dad this summer," said Keelan. "I don't know if I necessarily believe it now. It's kind of a shock you know. It's kind of like walking through fog. Kind of numb. Hazy. 

Keelan and Meagan were very close to their father. Sgt. Mathews was nearing his 20th year of service and preparing to retire. The hope was to reunite with his children and move back home to Indiana.

"Finally come home. Finally get to see him again," said Keelan.

Sgt. Mathews is one of four killed Tuesday in a helicopter training mission in England.

"I heard the doorbell ring, and my mom walked outside and she came back in. She was hysterical. She had us sit down on the couch, and when they followed her in the house, I kind of knew what happened," said Keelan.

"I just started crying immediately," said Meagan. "Just like speechless."

Keelan and Meagan say their father was a man who laid everything on the line, even when he wasn't on active duty.

"I don't think people really realize what families and people in the military give us," said Keelan. "I don't think some people fully appreciate that."

The two last spoke with their father right after Christmas.

"He always makes us laugh so easily," said Meagan.

"It was easy around him. There was no trouble to talk or anything like that," said Keelan.

It's not yet known what caused the helicopter crash. There is a donation website set up on behalf of the four families.