RCMP say a helicopter pilot who was helping fight a British Columbia forest fire when he crashed into a river near Lytton is believed to have died.
Robert Christopher Woodhead, 53, of Ontario, was the sole occupant in a Bell 212 with a water bucket Friday when the helicopter went down in the Fraser River Friday afternoon.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said Sunday Woodhead is believed to have perished in the river shortly after the crash, and that he has spoken to his family in Stoney Creek.
"In incidents of this nature, with the incertitude of the person's fate it leaves all in a suspended state of deep grief," Moskaluk said in a statement issued to media.
Woodhead was last seen in the water moments after the crash by a nearby pilot.
That pilot tried to save him by lowering a bucket and line into the chilly water, but was not successful.
Search crews from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Hope Search and Rescue recovered Woodhead's flight helmet, as well as debris from the crash site, but have not found his body.
Moskaluk said search crews will continue monitoring the river closely.
'We did receive assistance during the search from river area outfitters including Kumsheen Rafting Resort who know the area and conditions well, they along with the area communities are aware of the missing status of the pilot. With First Nations Bands fishing activity and other recreational use on the river over the next weeks there are a lot of eyes on the Fraser that will assist in locating the missing pilot," Moskaluk said.
The family has not spoken publicly.
The crashed helicopter is owned by Elbow River Helicopters Co., an Alberta-based firm.
R. Bruce Holloway, the company's president, said the crash is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.
"We are deeply saddened to report that Robert was last seen in the Fraser River at the accident site but has not been found. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Woodhead was working on the 12-square kilometre Intlpam fire on Friday before the accident. The fire is believed to have ignited by a lightning spark on July 25.
"Our thoughts, along with those of all British Columbians, whose lives and homes were protected in this and in past fire seasons by the courageous efforts of ground firefighters and the pilots assigned to battling these blazes are with the Woodhead family at this time," Moskaluk wrote.
With files from The Canadian Press
