What Caused Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Helicopter To Crash?

The cause of the helicopter accident was attributed to pilot negligence.

Jeff Brown, a veteran airplane pilot, had little experience operating a helicopter in inclement weather.

In 1995 Jimmie and his mother Martha Vaughan sued Omniflight for negligence.

They claimed that pilot Jeff Brown operated the helicopter recklessly under visual flight rules (VFR) while in instrument meteorological conditions. The lawsuit ended in a settlement.

The widows of Clapton’s bodyguard, Nigel Browne, and assistant tour manager, Colin Smythe, received more than $2 million in settlements.

Vaughan’s death triggered an outpouring of grief around the world. The album Family Style, the only collaboration recorded with his brother Jimmie, was released in September 1990 and became Vaughan’s best-selling non-Double Trouble album.

On August 30, 1990, Vaughan was buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas. Funeral services were held, with over 1,500 people attending and 3,000 more outside the chapel.

His fiancée, Janna Lapidus, and Jimmie and Martha Vaughan were in attendance.

Among the other mourners were Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, ZZ Top, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and Nile Rodgers.