Tingwall's widow grateful for wishes

SANTA FE (KRQE) - The widow of Sgt. Andy Tingwall said in a letter Wednesday that she was grateful for the honor given to her husband after he died in a helicopter crash last month.

Tingwall and Megumi Yamamoto were killed June 9 when the helicopter Tingwall was piloting crashed on the slopes of Santa Fe Baldy. Tingwall and Officer Wesley Cox, both members of the New Mexico State Police, had just rescued Yamamoto after she got lost while camping. Cox was injured but survived.

In a letter e-mailed by a state police spokesperson, Leighann Tingwall expressed gratitude for the support she and their daughters received.

The letter is below.

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July 1st, 2009

Dear friends and loved ones,

Thank you to all of you that were involved in the search for my husband and to those of you who have whispered prayers on our behalf. Your compassion is overwhelming and we are so grateful that words seem to fall short.

Thinking back to the night of the crash and the days following, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was to tell our daughters that their daddy would not be coming home but that he would always be with us in spirit.

Even in the midst of this tragedy, I have been amazed at the honor shown towards Andy. It is wonderful to see that he was cherished by others as much as my daughters and I. Lexy, Jenna and I are getting through this one day at a time through prayer and the kindness of others.

Andy would want us to cherish what we have and renew our belief in humanity, by helping one another and taking the time to hug someone in need. After all, we never know if it will be the last hug we ever receive.

Thank you once again,

Leighann Tingwall