Remembering HBPD Officer Nicholas Vella: Thousands honor officer killed in helicopter crash

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Thousands of friends, relatives and co-workers packed into Honda Center Tuesday to say farewell to Huntington Beach Police Department Officer Nicholas Vella, who died in a helicopter crash last month.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers took part in an early morning procession, escorting Vella's body from Huntington Beach to Anaheim for the service, which was closed to the public but streamed online by the city so residents could pay their respects.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mechanical issues reported before fatal Huntington Beach police helicopter crash

Dozens of people lined the streets to watch the solemn procession pass by as it made its way to Honda Center. Some held up signs of signs of support, some saying just "Thank you."

Vella is survived by his wife and teenage daughter.

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The helicopter crash occurred as Vella and his partner -- a 16-year department veteran -- were responding to a call for assistance from the Newport Beach Police Department. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the crash, the pilot radioed that the helicopter was having mechanical problems shortly before it plunged into the ocean water.

The aircraft landed in the water between Balboa Island and Lido Isle.

Lifeguards and rescue personnel rushed to the scene and could be seen pulling the two occupants from the submerged aircraft.

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