Apollo Malowa was the pilot of the ill-fated chopper that plunged into the hippo-infested Lake Nakuru, minutes after takeoff.

Apollo was in the chopper with four others who were identified as Sam Gitau, John Mapozi and Antony Kipyegon—who all worked for Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika as bloggers and Veronica Muthoni.

Apollo's last social media post read:

"Bringing the heights to the ground. Nani Iko Hapa."

The copper is said to have crushed minutes after takeoff and disintegrated on impact.

Here are photos of the rescue efforts.

KTN reporter Carol Nderi took to her social media to pay tribute to Apollo Malowa after some Kenyans said nasty things about his death.

Carol wrote, "I'm thinking about how fleeting life is..

But first, let me tell you a little about the late pilot Capt. Apollo. No, we weren't acquainted but there's this one remarkable thing he did that left an impression on me. Early this year, Lydiah Nyawira wrote a story about this young lad who had topped the county in KCPE. The pitiable story however was that young Muriuki's family could not cater for his high school fees despite having done so well in his national exams😔. So rough were things for this boy that he used to work at the quarry mines in Kieni, Nyeri just to try feed himself. Minimum basics. Working in a quarry is rough enough for an adult.. what with the back breaking work of digging up rocks, chiseling them under the scorching sun and possibly on an empty rumbling tummy. Now imagine what that's like for a young boy barely a teen. Here's an exceptionally brilliant kid who had topped in KCPE Nyeri County but seeing him bending over rocks all day, you'd never guess it. He had been admitted to Nyeri High School...but where was the fees? He could barely scratch enough for meals for himself and his family let alone fees."

She continued, "Anyway, let me cut to the chase . When the story was published in the Standard highlighting the young boy's plight complete with him stating that he hoped to be a pilot one fine day....

Capt. Apollo and his friends read the story from miles away, flew to Nyeri, picked Muriuki up and FLEW him to Nyeri High School. Would you believe the spectacle they caused 😂! Which mono is this who was being flown in to school!

Apollo and his friends had raised his school fees and shopping money to atleast get the boy admitted to Form One.

To help him realize his dreams, to show him that he too could fly a plane one day, to motivate him! To show him it's possible, to reiterate that dreams are indeed valid!

And just as they came, Apollo and his ex navy pilot friends flew back after ensuring that young Kevin Muriuki was settled in in school.

I was to later see Capt. Apollo in Nanyuki at the army base at an event where USA was donating helicopters to Kenya to aid in the war against terror. You should have seen me googling and asking about fighter helicopters so that I don't sound like a blonde on air explaining about the specifications of the donated war machinery😂😏 Cyrus Ombati do you remember me calling you? Tihihi.

Apollo dazzled the gathered crowd by 'stunt flying' for the guests. Sort of like what swimmers do with synchronized swimming. For entertainment value and exhibition of skill and expertise.

So when I heard in the morning that Capt. Apollo was flying the ill fated chopper that crashed in Lake Nakuru, I felt sad. I can't claim to have known him at a personal level but here is a man who was seemingly a good man, if what he did for the young Muriuki at the beginning of this year is anything to go by. And it sure is.

RIP Apollo, Sam, Kipyegon and the lady 😓 May your souls rest in peace and your families find solace.

Oh and to all those who had nasty things to say about the crash because it was a 'Jubilee affiliated' crew, shame on you."

Here are some of the touching reactions to the post.

Mashirima Kapombe: That's a lovely way to remember him Carol Nderi So beautifully written

Catherine Riungu: Carol Nderi you have narrated it with the skill of an award-winning scribe I wish it wasn't a tribute.

Pauline W. Ndiritu: A person who does good to others has no gender, race, tribe or creed... they are heroes in the eyes of the recipients of the kind gestures. Fly with the angels and rest in peace!

Carol Nderi: Would you believe that someone has just inboxed me pledging to pick up from where Apollo left. We're to talk more about it later in the day, today.

Susan Gathogo: So sad, from your story Carol, Apollo was a beautiful soul. May Apollo and our other media crew members RIP. 🙏🏽

Ndungu Desh Muriithi: I was with him while taking the boy to school, it's so painful that this happened. Rip our brother, your big heart n wonderful lifestyle will live on.

Njoki Waweru: I remember this story. Awesome tribute. May their departed souls RIP

Julian Macheru: R.I.P. Apollo and the rest.Let's shun tribalism and hate. In any event you and I did not choose to be born. We are just but passing clouds or pots who serve at the pleasure of our MAKER who is the potter.

Boni Odinga: Fleeting indeed. Can't help thinking of what the last moments must have been like...sheer terror!! Chopper hurtling down towards the water, maybe out of control..I really prayed jana..knowing him and his derring-do that perhaps he got a life jacket and would swim but then again I was like as a captain the safety of your passengers comes first...Death is above all of us. Great piece Carol...still hoping that someone somehow made it...Anyway death haunts us the living more than the dead..they're in Peace.

Reuben Makokha: R.I.P Apollo. God always has a reason. Thank you Nderi for reminding us. He was quite a good person.