ALTON, Ill. - St. Charles County authorities have released the identities of the victims killed in Thursday’s tragic helicopter crash.  

Nicholas Fulton, 35, was from Salem, Missouri, and Michael Curry, 37, was from Ashley, Illinois.

J.F. Electric released a statement on Thursday, identifying one of the victims as an employee and the other as a subcontractor.

“It’s a lifelong tragedy for the families and their coworkers and everyone, their friends and family,” said Linda Nagel, a Godfrey, Illinois, resident who was driving along the Mississippi River Thursday when the crash occurred. “My heart just bleeds for them.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter crash into power lines and then into a barge below.

Ameren confirms a contractor and subcontractor were replacing tower lights and marker balls. 

NTSB indicated the investigation could take up to two years to complete. An initial report will be released within 30 days of the crash.