( CNN ) One of 10 people killed in the collision of two helicopters in Argentina , France 's Florence Arthaud has been described as a `` national treasure '' by fellow sailor Shirley Robertson . `` Florence held the hearts of her nation when she won the Route de Rhum in 1990 -- a crazy sprint across the Atlantic , alone in very fast boats , an event watched live across the country with millions coming to see their heroes set off , '' Mainsail presenter Robertson told CNN . Along with Camille Muffat and Alexis Vastine , the 57-year-old Arthaud was one of three sports stars killed in the collision as two helicopters transported the athletes to a gorge in northwestern Argentina to film the reality TV show `` Dropped '' for French broadcaster TF1 . According to Robertson , Arthaud had inspired a generation of French sailors . `` Brave and brilliant , nothing was impossible , '' added Robertson of Arthaud . `` A true role model to the yachtswomen who would follow , she led the way . `` Her sense of adventure continued and she was well known for her TV documentaries bringing the power and passion of the sea into the living rooms of her adoring public . The nation will mourn this heroine 's loss . '' Known as the `` little girl of the Atlantic , '' Arthaud was the daughter of Jacques Arthaud , the director of the Arthaud publishing house . `` A true character , she made her mark in the sport through her determination and showed to the whole world that sailing was not merely a sport for men ; that women could now also take part in the adventure and succeed , '' said the French Sailing Federation in a statement on its website . Despite being left in a coma after a car accident at the age of 17 , Arthaud crossed the Atlantic for the first time when she was 19 , going on to win a number of races including the 1997 Transpacific race that traverses the Pacific Ocean . The boat that she had sailed to win the Route du Rhum -- Pierre 1er -- also helped her establish a women 's singlehanded west to east transatlantic record , as Arthaud notched a time of nine days 22 hours and five minutes . `` Her death has moved the French sailing world , '' added the French Sailing Federation . `` All our thoughts are with her family and her loved ones . '' Boxer Vastine , 28 , and swimmer Camille Muffat , 25 , were also killed in the crash . Top French athletes among 10 dead after 2 helicopters collide in Argentina .
Florence Arthaud was one of 10 people killed in helicopter crash . Arthaud was a champion sailor , winning the 1997 Transpacific race across the Pacific Ocean and the Route du Rhum in 1990 . `` Brave and brilliant , nothing was impossible '' said Shirley Robertson in tribute to the sailor . Olympic athletes Camille Muffat and Alexis Vastine were also killed in the crash .