Man escapes moments before helicopter crashes into Campbell River artist’s studio
Posted September 24, 2019 2:51 pm.
Last Updated September 24, 2019 3:03 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CAMPBELL RIVER (NEWS 1130) — A Campbell River man escaped moments before a helicopter crashed into his artist’s studio this morning, killing the pilot.
And while the pilot’s family is grieving, another family is grateful their loved ones survived.
A family member of artist Bill Henderson says he narrowly escaped with his sons when the chopper hit the studio he was working in. Katie Malone says she can’t believe her brother, Bill, survived.
“I thank the angels they let my brother be safe and my nephews,” she says.
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Her daughter Sandra rushed to the scene to find her uncle and cousins. She says the sight was devastating; her uncle’s carving shed was smashed, and when she saw the chopper next to it, she expected the worst.
“They said the propeller went through the roof — my uncle Billy’s roof, where he carves is right directly below where the helicopter hit,” she says.
“They said, he’s over there — and I was like, oh thank god! What about my cousins Junion and Jonathan? And then someone pointed out they’re over there, but said they don’t think the pilot made it.”
Sandra says they are heartbroken for the pilot’s family.
The Transportation Safety Board and police are investigating.
