Rival Helicopter Pilots Who Followed The Infamous O.J. Simpson Chase Are Now Both Transgender

Here’s an unlikely coincidence: the two helicopter pilots who covered the O. J. Simpson chase in 1994 were both men in the 1990s, and now they’re both women.

There’s not a lot more to say about it, other than, “well, what are the odds?”

Back on June 17, 1994, the two helicopters that followed Simpson in the white Bronco were piloted by Bob Tur (now Zoey) and Dirk Vahle (now Dana). They were bitter rivals at the time, and for years have argued about who was first on the scene.

In fact, they hated each other up until about a year ago, when a mutual friend made them aware of each others’ transition. “You’ve got to be f–king kidding me!” said Vahle at the time. 

Now, they’re fast friends, although they still disagree about who was “first” to get the chase.

Now on the 20th anniversary of the O. J. Simpson chase, which was an unlikely cultural touchstone in its own way. Zoey and Dana’s newfound friendship is yet another unexpected layer to the saga — possibly the only layer with a happy ending.