Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, is feared dead following a helicopter crash near the Nevada border in California, United States. Reports indicate that Wigwe, along with his wife and son, was onboard the ill-fated helicopter at the time of the incident.
The New York Times has reported that as of Saturday morning, authorities have been unable to locate survivors of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter went down around 10 p.m. local time near Nipton, Calif., an unincorporated community approximately 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County. The helicopter’s departure point and destination remain unclear.
Efforts to obtain comments from Access Holdings regarding the incident have been unsuccessful. Kunle Aderinokun, the Head of Media Relations, and other media team members have not responded to calls or messages.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Government, from where Wigwe hailed, expressed shock and described the news as a significant loss.
Joseph Johnson, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, stated, “His (Wigwe’s) death is confirmed. It is a big loss to every sector. And not just himself, with his wife and son. It is excruciating.” The state government is expected to issue an official statement later.
The cause of the helicopter crash is under investigation, and further details are awaited as the story develops.
