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FAA Probes Helicopter Cash Drop at Detroit Funeral Tribute

Regulators are probing whether the June 27 helicopter release of cash alongside rose petals to honor the late car wash owner broke federal aviation rules.

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Overview

  • The FAA continues a formal investigation into possible violations of aviation regulations during the aerial dispersal over Gratiot Avenue and Connor Street in East Detroit.
  • Detroit police said they were notified only about a flower drop and have declined to pursue charges over the money release.
  • Footage of the event has gone viral, showing bystanders calmly collecting bills as rose petals drifted down.
  • Family members arranged the helicopter tribute to fulfill Darrell “Plant” Thomas’s dying wish to give back to his neighborhood, with estimates of dropped cash ranging from $5,000 to over $7,500.
  • Thomas, a respected NHRA-licensed racer and local entrepreneur, was remembered for his generosity following his death from Alzheimer’s on June 15, 2025.