Best friends who died in NYC chopper crash remembered in North Texas

Friends and family gathered at Bishop Lynch High School Saturday to remember two men who died in a helicopter crash in New York City.

At just 26 years old, Trevor Cadigan and Brian McDaniel made an impact on the lives around them.

“Never have I ever seen either one of them not have a smile on their face or give up trying to brighten up someone's day. They have touched each and every one of us,” said their friend Michelle Kebr during the celebration of life service.

Cadigan was known for his goofy personality, always making everyone smile. Friends and mentors say McDaniel had a passion for being a Dallas firefighter.

“The day that I watched Brian walk across the stage, graduating from the academy, I've never been so proud and loved supporting him,” said Kebr.

Cadigan worked as a video journalist in New York and McDaniel was visiting when the two went on that fateful helicopter ride with three others on March 11.

“Both were fiercely loyal, hardworking, good students, loved sports, cared about people, and they were best friends,” said former Bishop Lynch head football coach Bill Persinger.

The official cause of the crash has not been revealed, but the pilot, who was the only survivor, reportedly told investigators the emergency fuel shut off lever may have been accidentally switched off. As investigators continue to look into the cause of the crash, loved ones are choosing instead to remember the shared laughs and memories of the two best friends.

The NTSB is investigating the crash. The Catigan family has also filed a lawsuit against the helicopter company and the pilot who survived the crash.