Scituate couple killed in Hawaii helicopter crash

Neighbors mourn the loss of Patrick 'P.J.' Haskell and Margaret Rimmler, who died in a sightseeing helicopter accident on the island of Kauai.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:07am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a dramatic, fog-shrouded coastline with towering cliffs and turbulent seas, conveying a sense of the overwhelming, sublime power of nature.A tragic helicopter accident off the coast of Kauai has left a close-knit Massachusetts community mourning the loss of a beloved couple, underscoring the fragility of life and the power of nature.Boston Today

Patrick 'P.J.' Haskell, 59, and his wife Margaret Rimmler, 65, from Scituate, Massachusetts, were killed in a helicopter crash during a sightseeing trip in Hawaii on Thursday. The couple had recently retired and were on a post-retirement vacation when the accident occurred near a remote beach on the island of Kauai. Neighbors described the couple as 'the nicest people' who will be deeply missed in the community.

Why it matters

The tragic helicopter crash has shaken the close-knit Scituate community, where Haskell and Rimmler were well-known and beloved residents. The accident has raised concerns about the safety of helicopter sightseeing tours, especially in areas with challenging geography like Kauai's seaside cliffs and mountain ridges.

The details

According to authorities, the sightseeing helicopter the couple was flying in crashed near a remote beach off the coast of Kauai on Thursday afternoon, killing them and one other person. Experts say the area's geography of tall seaside cliffs and sharp mountain ridges can make for turbulent air and hazardous flying conditions. Haskell had recently retired from the insurance business he ran with his father for decades, while Rimmler worked in the tech marketing field for years.

  • On Thursday afternoon, the sightseeing helicopter the couple was flying in crashed near a remote beach off the coast of Kauai.
  • Haskell had recently retired from the insurance business he ran with his father for decades.
  • Rimmler worked in the tech marketing field for years.

The players

Patrick 'P.J.' Haskell

A 59-year-old Scituate resident who recently retired from the insurance business he ran with his father for decades.

Margaret Rimmler

A 65-year-old Scituate resident who worked in the tech marketing field for years.

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What’s next

Federal authorities are investigating the cause of the helicopter crash.

The takeaway

The tragic helicopter accident has left the close-knit Scituate community in mourning, highlighting the risks of sightseeing tours in areas with challenging geography and the importance of safety regulations in the aviation industry. The loss of this beloved couple has underscored the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment with loved ones.