TV star Matt Wright hands himself into police after warrant issued for arrest

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has been charged with offences relating to the helicopter crash death of a friend and co-star.

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has been charged with multiple offences by Northern Territory Police relating to the helicopter crash which killed his friend and co-star.

The 43-year-old has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, fabricating evidence, unlawful entry into a building, unlawful entry into a dwelling, making a false declaration, and interfering with witnesses in a criminal investigation.

Mr Wright was bailed and will appear in Darwin Local Court at 9:30am on Wednesday.

“His bail conditions include not to contact certain people and to reside at a particular address,” NT Police said in a statement.

Mr Wright arrived at Darwin police station on Tuesday afternoon and is now in custody.

Northern Territory police issued an arrest warrant for the Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory star as they continue their investigations into a helicopter crash which occurred earlier this year.

Chris “Willow” Wilson died in a crash in West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory while undertaking a crocodile egg collecting mission in February.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright has just arrived at Darwin Police station where he is expected to be charged over a fatal helicopter crash. Sunrise is live from Darwin tomorrow. @sunriseon7pic.twitter.com/lhLw9HptC2

— Bianca Stone (@Bianca_Stone) November 29, 2022

Chaos erupted in Darwin as Mr Wright landed in the Top End to face criminal charges over a deadly helicopter crash.

Footage from Darwin Airport shows the reality TV star walking through Darwin Airport with his family and one other man.

The group are seen shouldering through the media pack as they walk toward their car.

Matt Wright arrived in Darwin flanked by security guards to face charges related to the fatal accident which killed his friend and co-star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Matt Wright's bodyguards clash with media in fiery scenes at Darwin Airport. Picture: Sky News

The group powered through the waiting media pack before one of the members of his team was seen pushing a cameraman out of the way. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Chris “Willow” Wilson, who also starred in Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, was collecting crocodile eggs in the NT on February 28 when the helicopter he was in crashed, killing him and leaving a second man badly injured.

At one point a member of the media can be heard yelling: ‘Get off the cameras, that’s assault!’ Picture: Sky News

The group got into a waiting car after powering through the group of media who had gathered. Picture: Sky News

Vision captured by Today showed Mr Wright, 43, arriving at the Qantas domestic check-in area at Sydney airport about 7am on Tuesday with his wife Kaia and one-week old daughter Dusty.

Reporters probed Mr Wright as he walked towards security to board his flight scheduled to depart about 8.15am.

“Are you flying to Darwin? Will you be handing yourself into police? Do you have anything to say about the allegations?” a reporter questioned.

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright on his way to Darwin. Picture: Today show

Outback Wrangler Matt Wright walks to his flight at Sydney Airport. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian

NT Police contacted Mr Wright’s legal team on Monday, informing them an arrest warrant had been issued and the reality star must present himself to a Darwin police station by 9am on Wednesday.

In a statement provided to NCA NewsWire on Monday, a spokesman for Mr Wright said he “strenuously denies any wrongdoing”.

“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesman said.

Mr Wright was trailed by his partner carrying their newborn baby as he made his way through the airport on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian

Chris Wilson (left) and Matt Wright were co-stars on the Outback Wrangler TV show. Picture: Instagram

“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on-board at the time.

“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.

“Matt will not be making any further statement, but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”

The 43-year-old was one of the first on the scene after the horror crash, after flying in on another helicopter with three other people on-board.

Matt Wright ‘strenuously denies any wrongdoing’ in relation to the expected charges. Picture: Instagram

He was one of the first on the scene after the horror crash. Picture: Instagram

Two of those people – pilot Michael Burbidge and police officer Neil Mellon – have since been charged with serious offences, including destroying evidence.

Both remain before the courts.

Former senior acting sergeant Mellon has been charged with 35 offences and will return to court on December 7.

His charges include attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and making false declarations.

Mr Burbidge will return to court on January 25 on four charges, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroy evidence, making false declarations and fabricating evidence.

Mr Wright called Mr Wilson a ‘brother’. Picture: Instagram

In the days after the crash, Mr Wright shared a heartfelt tribute on social media to the man he called a “brother”.

“Willow you truly were an amazing person – a father every kid would wish for, a husband every man would aspire to be, a son to be proud of and a mate that’s a brother,” he captioned a series of images shared with his 510K Instagram followers on March 11.

“You have left an incredible legacy – you achieved so much, impacted those around you for the better and created adventures that showed everyone how to best spend our time here.”

Mr Wright shared a tribute to his friend after his funeral. Picture: Supplied

He said he was grateful Mr Wilson’s family would be able to keep his memory close by watching episodes of their television work.

“Mate, you were made for TV, a natural charisma and way with words that lit up the screen and made our shows what they are,” he said.

“I’m grateful Dani and the boys will be able to watch you and your adventures forever.”

Netflix has refused to comment on whether another season of the popular Wild Croc Territory Show will be will be produced after news an arrest warrant was issued for one of its stars.

The show focuses on Mr Wright’s adventures in the Top End as a helicopter pilot and crocodile wrangler and also feature his friends such as Mr Wilson and Jono Brown.

When asked by NCA NewsWire, Netflix declined to comment on if they intended to commit to a second season of Wild Croc Territory after the incident.

Originally published as TV star Matt Wright hands himself into police after warrant issued for arrest