On June 4th, all of the Bank Buildings residents who share messages on the street’s WhatsApp were in a state of shock when they were made aware of the death of former resident Chris Gayson at the age of 42. The Royal Navy named him as one of three officers from the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) who died on June 3rd when their helicopter crashed in bad weather during a training exercise in Devon.
Chris, who lived at No.21 Bank Buildings with wife Amy and sons Benjamin and Rupert for well over a decade until 2025, was a Lieutenant Commander at the Royal Navy. He perished in the crash alongside fellow officers Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24.
Chris joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in 2008, earning his wings in 2012, after which he served with 845 Naval Air Squadron. He later became CHF Air Safety Officer, and was subsequently selected to command Operational Conversion Flight at 846 Naval Air Squadron in the summer of 2025.
King Charles, who flew helicopters with the Royal Navy in the 1970s, said he was left ‘profoundly shocked’ by news of the deaths of officers ‘held in the highest regard.’
The Princess of Wales, who is commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm, one of the navy’s five fighting arms, said she was saddened to hear of the deaths, adding: ‘Prince William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time.’
Keir Starmer said the deaths of the three personnel were ‘utterly tragic,’ and John Healey, the defence secretary (just prior to his resignation), described all three as ‘dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our armed forces’.
There have been many warm tributes to Chris from Bank Buildings residents who knew him well, with several WhatsApp members arranging with Belper Town Council to fly the Union flag on The Triangle at half mast in Chris’s memory.
The residents especially remember Chris’ generosity of spirit as a neighbour and ‘the ease with which he got on with everyone.’ He will also be remembered as someone ‘always willing to lend a hand’ and who ‘brought warmth to the community.’
As another resident said: ‘Chris was the neighbour who’d always stop for a chat and look out for everyone.’
As Pam Ryder recalls: ‘I only met Chris occasionally while walking my dog Alfie and he was always pleasant and friendly towards me.’
‘He died doing what he believed in – serving his country,’ another resident added.
Dom and Julie Kemple who lived next door to the Gaysons at No.22, have a fond memory of Chris as a proud Royal Navy officer, recalling that he ‘headed off to work in his flight suit, looking cooler than most of us in the morning.’
They also remember Chris informally representing the Royal Navy in the first Milford Regatta, competing against Phil from 17 Bank Buildings, who was rowing for the Army.
As Dom and Julie continue: ‘What first struck us about Chris when he and Amy moved in next door was his commitment and attention to detail when renovating their new property, as it was truly impressive. We would come home every weekend to find Chris hanging off the front of the house meticulously repairing the mortar, section by section, every week for what seemed like months. However, the outcome was worth it.
‘After that, Chris installed in the back garden what looked like the biggest shed and the smallest all-weather football pitch in Belper. Out of that always came a lot of fun and laughter’.
One of the reasons Chris created a football pitch was because of his high hopes for son Benjamin. As Dom and Julie recall: ‘He was so proud of the time he took Benjamin to Derby County when he walked out as a mascot. We still can’t believe that Chris only last year stood in our kitchen drinking tea, telling us about Amy and the boys, and his hope that Benjamin would be the next Lionel Messi.’
Rich North and Harriet Way also have special memories of Chris: ‘He was a wonderful neighbour, so warm, easy-going and kind. He was interesting to speak to and always interested in others around him. He was a genuinely good man who seemed to value being of service to others.
‘What we also remember is a husband and father who clearly adored his family. We would often see him running up the street with Benjamin, and they always looked so happy together.’
Sarah James cherishes a memory of a Halloween incident two years ago: ‘I didn’t know Chris and Amy that well but I will never forget the occasion when I decided to be neighbourly on Halloween Night. I don’t normally ‘do’ kids but I had just inherited a cauldron-shaped vase from my parents and decided it would make a great Trick or Treat witches’ cauldron. I filled it with dried pasta as I didn’t have sweets but I still had treats because I rolled up £5 notes and hid them inside. Amy, Chris and their two children knocked on my door and I dutifully played the witch. The eldest boy, Benjamin, was the first to dive in and he scowled at me when he didn’t find anything. He thought it was a trick – and not a treat. However, when his younger brother Rupert plunged his hands into the cauldron, he pulled out a rolled-up £5 note. Benjamin was mortified! Suffice to say, I think I created a nice family memory because Amy later sent me some lovely photos of her youngest spending his treat’.
As Rich and Harriet conclude: ‘There is no question that Chris’ death is a loss to Milford and the wider world. He will be so missed.’
‘We are devastated by the loss’, add Dom and Julie finally; ‘RIP, Chris, we loved having you as our neighbour.’
