A “BRAVE and strong” survivor of the Grand Canyon helicopter crash has died in hospital.

Jonathan Udall, from Brighton, is now the fourth Sussex resident to die as a result of the tragedy.

Mr Udall, in his 30s, was honeymooning with his wife Ellie Milward when the tourist flight crashed in Arizona and she remains in a critical condition in hospital.

They were on the chopper with Worthing brothers Jason and Stuart Hill and Stuart’s 27-year-old girlfriend Becky Dobson as part of celebrations for Stuart’s 30th birthday. These three all died in the tragedy.

Mr Udall and Mrs Milward were friends with the others on the helicopter, which spun out of control as it went to land.

The chopper then caught fire, and the National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the crash.

It is suspected a mechanical problem or gusty winds may be factors.

Tributes have poured in on a GoFundMe page set up in aid of Mr Udall and Mrs Milward.

Friend Chris Tucker, who started the crowdfunding, wrote: “It is with a very heavy heart that I must type this.

“Our good friend Jon Udall has succumbed to his injuries.

“He was strong, brave and I will never forget him.

“I will update this page when possible.

“Ellie is critical and is continuing to fight. Love, Chris.”

Mr Udall worked as a regional manager for Yorkshire Building Society in the South.

The company is now offering support to its colleagues after Mr Udall’s death.

Mike Regnier, chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Jon was a well-known and well-loved colleague and we’re all deeply shocked and saddened by his death.

“Jon had worked for Yorkshire Building Society for almost ten years and risen to become a regional manager in the south region.

“He was hugely passionate about his job and making sure customers got the best service possible.

“We are in touch with his and Ellie’s families and send them our deepest condolences. We hope to hear positive news about Ellie soon. We are offering colleagues, who are obviously shaken by this news, support at this upsetting time.”

Others passed their condolences and left their prayers for Mrs Milward on the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £22,000 between around 750 people.

Abigail Freschette, who works at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “It’s such terribly sad news. A lovely man. My thoughts are with his family and Ellie.”

Kathy O’Neill Clark commented: “So sorry to hear this news.

“Rest in peace Jon, no more pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellie and both families at this sad time.”

Yvette Goldsmith wrote: “I’m so very sad to hear this news.”