Updated at 11.21pm

AN IRISH-BORN US Marine has died following a helicopter crash off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Staff Sergeant Liam Flynn (34), from Clane, Co Kildare, was one of seven missing Marines and four Army aircrew onboard an Army Black Hawk helicopter which went down near Eglin, Florida yesterday.

It is one of the worst US military training accidents in years.

A US Marine Corps statement said that the searchers are not hopeful of finding any survivors.

“We want to thank all agencies that have contributed their exhaustive efforts in the initial response to this terrible tragedy. The US Coast Guard and multiple state and county agencies have been extraordinarily supportive and we appreciate all their assistance.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the Marines and soldiers involved in this incident.”

The marines were in Florida as part of a special operations team from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Liam is survived by his wife Destiny and 11 month old little girl Leilani, his parents and siblings.

A memorial mass will be held on Sunday at the Church of St Patrick and St Brigid in Clane at 11.30am.