French parliamentarian and businessman Olivier Dassault died on Sunday in a helicopter crash in Normandy. French President Emmanuel Macron announced this on his Twitter page.
“Olivier Dassault served his homeland as an industrialist and deputy,” said the head of state. “His death is a huge loss.”
The 69-year-old politician represented the right-wing Republicans party in the National Assembly (lower house of parliament). He was also the owner of one of the largest fortunes in France, estimated at € 5 billion. Dassault came from a family of famous French aircraft manufacturers.
As reported by radio station Europe 1, the helicopter crash occurred in the commune of Tuk, located between the Norman resorts of Deauville and Honfleur. The helicopter pilot died along with Dassault.
The deceased parliamentarian enjoyed great authority in France. On Friday, he received French Prime Minister Jean Castex and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in his constituency in Beauvais.