The RCMP have released the names of the three people who died following a helicopter crash near Stewart earlier this weekend.
According to police, 35 year old pilot Randy Lambert from Abbotsford, 40 year old Colin Dionne from Powell River and 32 year old Mathieu Lefebvre-Masse from Lund BC were killed when a Vancouver Island Helicopter 407 helicopter crashed in the Nelson Glacier area approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Stewart.
The first call about the crash came at approximately four p.m. on Sunday, July 31 and an RCMP aerial search confirmed the crash and that all three people involved lost their lives. Crews arrived at the location on August 1 but, due to the steep rocky terrain and the weather, were unable to reach the site. On August 2 RCMP and Search and Rescue personnel from Smithers revisted the site with more appropriate equipment and were able to recover the deceased.
The two passengers were on a geological survey.
The RCMP, the Transportation Safety Board and the Coroner's Service continue to investigate the crash. A statement from Vancouver Island Helicopters indicates company “respectfully awaits investigators and government agencies as they complete their investigation” and “are actively working and cooperating with investigators”.