UPDATE (10:54 a.m.) – Officials Gov. Greg Abbott’s office say the three individuals killed in the helicopter crash in Brewster County were Texas Parks and Wildlife employees.
“Our hearts ache today for those who died in this tragic accident. Cecilla and I are deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. I ask all Texans to keep these families in their thoughts and prayers.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also issued a statement on the crash.
“Jan and I are deeply saddened to hear the news of this horrible accident and our prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of the victims. We ask all Texans to join us in mourning their passing,” A statement from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reads.
According to the organization, the men were conducting aerial surveys for desert bighorn sheep in the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County on Saturday.
Employees include:
- Dewey Stockbridge, biologist
- Brandon White, fish and wildlife technician
- Dr. Bob Dittmar, state wildlife veterinarian
The statement from Lt. Gov. Patrick also noted a contract pilot was killed in the crash.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also issued a statement Sunday morning.
“No words can begin to express the depth of sadness we feel for the loss of our colleagues in this tragic accident,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “These men were consummate professionals, deeply liked and highly regarded by their peers and partners alike for the immense passion, dedication, and expertise they brought to their important work in wildlife management and veterinary medicine. Wildlife conservation in Texas lost three of its finest as they so honorably and dutifully carried out their calling to help survey, monitor and protect the bighorns of their beloved west Texas mountains. We will miss Dewey, Brandon, and Dr. Bob deeply and dearly. All of us at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Stockbridge, White, and Dittmar families in the wake of this devastating tragedy and continue to pray for the health and recovery of the pilot.”
BREWSTER COUNTY, Texas (Big 2/Fox 24) – Three people have died following a helicopter crash in Brewster County over the weekend.
Officials with the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office say deputies responded to the crash early Saturday morning in the southeastern portion of the county.
The pilot was flown to Alpine and the passengers were pronounced dead, according to the release. The FAA and the BCSO are investigating the crash.
