The Strathcona Standard

UPDATE 2 and Editor’s note (posted 1:45 pm on 2026-07-17)

We have been able to confirm that a video previously attached to this story DOES NOT depict the victims of the crash in any way, and only shows the rescue of the survivor.

According to Sabrina Martellino with 19 Wing Public Affairs, who sent out the original press release and video to an undisclosed number of BC media outlets, the video of the rescue was carefully edited to be respectful to the families of the two people who tragically died in the crash, and to highlight the rescue of the survivor:

“Prior to release, the footage was carefully reviewed and does not depict either of the deceased individuals, nor does it contain radio communications relating to them,” she said in an email to the Strathcona Standard. “The footage shows the crash site, the rescue response, and the extraction of the survivor.”

We have reached out to Martellino to ask if 19 Wing Public Affairs will provide this clarifying information to all the media who received the original press release on Wednesday, July 14. She has not yet responded to our requests.

Unfortunately, because of the rampant speculation and misinformation spread on social media about this incident, along with ongoing harassment, threats, and abuse directed personally at the reporter, the Strathcona Standard, and others, including the helicopter company, we will not be re- posting the video.

We are also looking into pursuing legal action against some of the most aggressive threat-makers and harassers.

TO BE CLEAR: We stand by the original story, and the decision to include the video, as it depicted one of the few positive outcomes of this tragedy which has shaken multiple Vancouver Island communities.

Story follows below.

Read more: UPDATE 2: Two dead, one survivor after heli crash north of Campbell River

By Grant Warkentin

Two passengers died in a helicopter crash at Stafford Lake just north of Loughborough Inlet early Tuesday morning.

One survivor was evacuated from the crash site, approximately 80 kilometres nearly directly north of Campbell River, and taken to 19 Wing in Comox, where they were transferred into the care of BC Emergency Health Services.

The helicopter was part of West Coast Helicopters’ (WCH) fleet, a Hughes 500 that was operating in the inlet for forestry operations, the company said in a statement on social media. It crashed at 6:15 am on the morning of July 14. The pilot, Riley Browne, did not survive.

“Riley was a good friend and pilot to all who worked with him. He always had a smile on his face, eager to help,” the company said. “Riley started his flying career at WCH in 2021. He was one of the pillars of the company. We all loved him.

“Our thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to Riley’s family. They are a tight-knit family and well-known in the Port McNeill community.”

One of the passengers, a crew member with Crowhurst Forest Management Group (CFMG), was also killed in the crash.

“We are also thinking of CFMG’s crew and family; condolences and prayers to the family of a great guy,” WCH said.

The lone survivor was rescued by a team from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Comox, which used a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and CC-295 Kingfisher fixed-wing aircraft to make the rescue.

“The search and rescue technicians were hoisted into the crash site situated on steep mountainous terrain to reach and assist the survivor,” says a statement from 19 Wing Public Affairs. “The rescue was completed with the survivor hoisted to the helicopter.”

In a statement on social media Wednesday, Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl said he was deeply saddened by the news.

“On behalf of council and the city of Campbell River, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I wish a full recovery to the individual who was seriously injured,” he said. “Our thoughts are also with everyone at West Coast Helicopters and the forestry crews company, as well as the many friends, coworkers, and members of our forestry community who are grieving this heartbreaking loss.”

Dahl said the tragedy was a solemn reminder of the risks that resource workers accept every day to provide for their families.

“Please keep those affected in our thoughts & prayers, and continue to show our gratitude, respect, and support for the men and women who work in these challenging and often dangerous occupations,” he said.

ABOVE: (Featured image) Riley Browne with West Coast Helicopters’ Hughes 500 helicopter, from WCH / Facebook.