Haddon Twp. Man Killed In PA Helicopter Crash Was A 'Human Almanac,' 'True Teddy Bear Dad'

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Haddon Township man killed in a Pennsylvania helicopter crash was a "human almanac" and a loving father who loved taking on challenging projects working as a journeyman lineman, according to those who knew Michael Higgins.

The helicopter crashed while Higgins, 40, was working as a lineman Thursday in Carbon County. The pilot — Jeffery Patmore, 52, of British Columbia, Canada — also died in the incident.

• Related: Haddon Township Man Killed In Helicopter Crash In PA: Reports

Higgins was born in Camden and grew up in Upper Pittsgrove. At 10 years old, he was honored at the White House for his work lobbying with Tobacco Free Kids, according to his obituary.

He graduated from Woodstown High School, where he competed in football and wrestling and was a member of The National Honor Society and The National Academic League.

"Mike, affectionately known as a human almanac with sharp wit, chatted with everyone he met," his obituary says.

At Rowan University, he met his future wife Brittany Higgins at the library. They bonded later at a party over their shared admiration for actor Steve McQueen, his obituary says.

They had three children. Higgins was a "gentle force and best friend" to his son and a "true teddy bear dad" to his daughters, according to his obituary.

As a journeyman lineman, Higgins pursued challenging projects in his job of building and restoring power. He traveled throughout the country, including working on repairs after Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Ida.

A GoFundMe campaign was established in Higgins's memory to aid his wife and children. It has generated $80,000 as of this writing.

"Michael had this way about him," Higgins's cousin, Christina Cupani, wrote on the GoFundMe. "Always the slightest smirk. So smart. Always has something to say. He could help you build confidence in yourself with just one conversation. Respectful. Funny. He was a force and is already so missed."

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the helicopter crash, which happened around 3 p.m. Thursday near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania — north of Allentown.

PPL Electric Utilities told FOX 29 the crash occurred while a third-party contractor was working on its system. The county coroner identified the victims on Saturday.

View the GoFundMe page and the full obituary, shared by Bradley Funeral Home of Marlton.