KNXV issued the following statement after Friday's crash:

"KNXV's television news helicopter was involved in a midair crash with KTVK's television news helicopter early Friday afternoon. The KNXV news pilot and photographer died while covering a news story over Steele Indian School Park near downtown Phoenix. On board were veteran pilot Craig Smith and news photographer Rick Krolak.

"Craig Smith is the pilot / reporter from KNXV-TV's Chopper15 covering breaking news stories as part of the ABC15 Daybreak Team. Craig has worked with ABC15 since September 2005. Craig began his broadcast career and interest in flying helicopters in 1987 working as part of the AAA Safety Copter program in Detroit as a traffic reporter. He began taking flying lessons and earned his commercial helicopter rating in December 1990.

"Rick Krolak has been at KNXV for over nine years. He is a well respected and award winning photojournalist. Many in the ABC15 newsroom remember his enthusiasm, humor and dedication to his job. He has been in the Phoenix television market for nearly 20 years.

"ABC15 General Manager Janice Todd says, 'This is very sad day and our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved. Craig and Rick were very well respected members of the KNXV family. We would also like to extend our thoughts to the families and members of the KTVK television station news crew involved in the accident.'

"'Our sense of loss over the deaths of these dedicated professionals is tremendous,' said Kenneth W. Lowe, president and chief executive officer of The E. W. Scripps Company. 'I know I speak for all of us at Scripps when I say that our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, friends and co-workers whose lives have been touched by this tragedy.'"