Zepeda shared that Lerma’s youngest son had always wanted to experience a helicopter ride. In response, Lerma took his son and the boy’s mother on a tour operated by National Helicopter Solutions. The three, along with the pilot, departed from Ellington Airfield. Tragically, just before 8 p.m. on Sunday, the helicopter collided with a transmission tower in the Second Ward, killing everyone on board.
“We all cope with tragedy in our own way,” said Garrett Kauffman, who met Lerma over a decade ago at Home Depot. “At my age, each day is a gift. I can’t fathom what the family is enduring. He will be deeply missed.”
Kauffman, who renovates homes, recalled Lerma’s exceptional carpentry skills, particularly his custom cabinet work. But more than Lerma’s craftsmanship, Kauffman cherished his interactions with his three sons. Lerma had two adult sons, one of whom worked alongside him in their carpentry business. His youngest son, who perished in the crash, was the one who had dreamed of the helicopter ride.
“He was a treasure. In construction, you meet many acquaintances but have few real friends. Lerma was that friend. He’d do anything for me, and I’d do anything for him,” Kauffman added.
NTSB investigators continue their on-site investigation but have stated that no further public updates will be given until their preliminary report, expected within 30 days of the crash. Meanwhile, mourners have been visiting the crash site, leaving flowers and stuffed animals at a nearby tree. Security has since closed a gap in the fence where tributes were being placed.
In Lerma’s quiet neighborhood, his Hummer remains parked out front, with a Halloween skeleton costume in the backseat, seemingly ready for a holiday joyride with the kids.
“He was an outstanding man,” Zepeda reflected. “An exceptional neighbor and a wonderful human being. We loved him deeply.”
