Helicopter pilot killed in crash during firefighting operation in northern Alberta
A helicopter pilot who was helping fight fires in northern Alberta was killed in a crash on Wednesday.
The Bell 205A craft "collided with terrain during firefighting operations" at 6:13 p.m. in a remote location near Haig Lake, the Transportation Safety Board told CTV News Edmonton.
The agency said one person was on board, but did not initially confirm the death.
RCMP confirmed to CTV News Edmonton a 41-year-old man from Whitecourt, Alta., died from injuries he sustained in the crash, despite life-saving efforts by forestry workers who arrived at the site first.
Multiple sources identified him as Ryan Gould.
"On behalf of Mayor Pickard, Town Council and the community, our sincere condolences go to his family and friends during this tragic time," a Town of Whitecourt spokesperson said in a written statement.
"On behalf of all Albertans I want to offer our condolences to the family, friends, and all those who knew them," Premier Danielle Smith said on social media.
"From the bottom of my heart I want to thank the brave men and women who are working every day to keep our province safe on the front lines. This tragic loss is a reminder of how they put their lives on the line to keep us all safe."
Her forestry and parks minister, Todd Loewen, added, "To see a life cut short in these circumstances is incredibly heartbreaking and Alberta’s government is incredibly thankful for those who continue to protect our communities from these devastating fires. We will continue to do all we can to protect and support the wildfire response teams.”
Alberta Wildfire tweeted it was mourning the loss of one of its members.
"Our hearts go out to the pilot’s friends, family and colleagues. We know there are dangers in fighting wildfire, but it does not make a loss like this any less difficult."
TSB investigators arrived at the scene on Thursday, according to a spokesperson.
The helicopter was operated by Valhalla Helicopters, based in West Kelowna, B.C., according to the TSB. CTV News Edmonton reached out to the company for comment.
As of Thursday morning, there were 117 active wildfires in Alberta, 17 of which were considered out of control.
The pilot is the third person to die while fighting wildfires in Canada this year.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Shohei Ohtani becomes the first major league player with 50 homers, 50 stolen bases in a season
Shohei Ohtani became the first major league player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, with the Los Angeles Dodgers star going deep twice to reach the half-century mark and swiping two bags to get to 51 against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
The RCMP has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including 3 submachine-guns
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has lost 205 firearms since 2020, including more than 120 handguns and at least five fully automatic weapons like machine-guns.
PM Trudeau names Anita Anand transport minister after Pablo Rodriguez quits cabinet
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tapped Treasury Board President Anita Anand to take on additional duties as Canada's minister of transport on Thursday.
Tensions flare between Poilievre and Singh in the House after NDP says it will back Trudeau Liberals
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh got into a heated exchange in the House of Commons on Thursday, just minutes after Singh announced his party would not be supporting the Conservatives’ first non-confidence motion against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
Canadian women among those who allege Harrods boss sexually abused them
CTV News has learned there are multiple Canadian women alleging they were victims of sexual abuse at the hands of the late Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
Missing six-year-old boy disappeared after school breakfast program: Manitoba RCMP
Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.
University of Ottawa antisemitism advisor resigns over post celebrating pager explosions in Lebanon
The University of Ottawa's special advisor on antisemitism says he has resigned following posts he made on social media celebrating the pager explosions in Lebanon this week.
Francois Legault wants the Trudeau government to fall
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling on the Bloc Quebecois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.
Influencer couple denies leaving kids alone on cruise
For most people, dinner on a cruise ship is a time to relax. But when influencer couple Abby and Matt Howard decided to kick back with a dinner à deux, they ended up kicking up a storm.