Beloved Chopper 7 pilot, photographer Clark Stahl dies at age 72

Clark Stahl, a beloved member of the KIRO 7 family, died Thursday.

Clark was the Chopper 7 pilot for more than 30 years, was able to report on breaking news and was also an important part of KIRO 7's Seafair coverage.

Those who flew with Clark knew -- he had nerves of steel.

He started with KIRO 7 in the 1980's as our backup pilot before becoming a full-time employee. He retired in 2012. During that retirement he remained close friends with many at the station.

In the summer of 1969, Clark helped fly medical supplies for the Army National Guard to thousands of people at Woodstock.

Clark also flew Hueys for the U.S. Army, serving multiple war-time combat tours in Vietnam. He was an instructor pilot and earned the designation of Master Army Aviator. He retired from the U.S. Army reserves in 1991.

"Clark Stahl was as good a reporter as he was a pilot... an invaluable team member for the better part of three decades here at KIRO. But more than that he was a husband, a father and grandfather, and a dear friend to all of us. He will be missed terribly, but always remembered with a smile," KIRO 7 anchor Steve Raible said.

Stahl, who was 72, will be missed by his KIRO 7 family and all those who knew this remarkable man.

Cox Media Group