Travel Channel’s Sawyer Injured In Helicopter Crash

Travel Channel on-air personality Forrest Sawyer was injured late last week in a helicopter crash in Tanzania while filming a segment for the network’s Presidential Tour series, according to the network.

Travel Channel President Pat Younge in a statement said Sawyer and most members of his production crew involved in the crash are safe and with their families. One show producer remains hospitalized in Johannesburg, South Africa receiving medical treatment for a broken hip suffered in the crash.

The pilot also received injuries, and was airlifted to Nairobi, Kenya for treatment, according to Younge.

Travel Channel’s quarterly Presidential Tour series explores countries around the world, often through the eyes of the country’s president.  

 “The Travel Channel would like to recognize the individual acts of heroism of the production crew and Forrest Sawyer, who helped get all the passengers out of the helicopter and safely to shore,” said Younge in a statement. “Additionally, we thank the Masai people who assisted the crew members on shore following the accident.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.