Recovery efforts continue after fatal helicopter crash in Nelson Glacier area

Stewart RCMP and Search and Rescue personnel continued their efforts today to recover three men killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday July 31, 2011.

On Sunday July 31, 2011 at around 4:00 pm, the Stewart RCMP received a report from Vancouver Island Helicopters Ltd that one of their 407 helicopters had crashed in the Nelson Glacier area. The crash site is near Meziadin Lake about 60 kilometres northeast of Stewart, BC. RCMP investigators attended the crash site by air and confirmed that the three souls onboard perished in the crash.

Crews returned on Monday August 1st, but were unable to reach the deceased, however they were able to assess the terrain and determine the resources needed for another attempt. At first light today (Tuesday August 2nd) the RCMP and Search and Rescue personnel from Smithers, trained in rock and rope rescue methods returned to the site and are hopeful that they will be able to recover the deceased by the end of the day.

Stewart RCMP can confirm that the deceased are 35 year old pilot Randy Ken Lambert from Abbotsford, BC, 40 year old passenger Colin Dionne from Powell River, BC and 32 year old passenger Mathieu Lefebvre-Masse who lived Lund, BC but was originally from Quebec. Police have been in contact with the families who have asked for privacy while they deal with the losses.

The RCMP will continue to assist the Transportation Safety Board and the BC Coroners Service with their investigations into the fatal crash.