Outback Wrangler hit by tragedy as cast member Chris Wilson dies in helicopter crash

The iconic Top End show Outback Wrangler has been hit by tragedy after one of their wildlife pioneers tragically lost their life.

A beloved crew member from the world famous National Geographic show Outback Wrangler has died in a helicopter crash.

Chris Wilson, a cast member of the Northern Territory show, headed up by wildlife presenter Matt Wright, died after his helicopter crashed in a remote section of West Arnhem Land.

Mr Wilson, 34, was collecting crocodile eggs at King River with his 28-year-old colleague Sebastian Robinson on Monday when the incident happened.

Chris Wilson tragically died in the crash. Picture: Facebook

Mr Robinson is fighting for his life in hospital after he was flown to Royal Darwin Hospital, and later Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, in a critical condition.

The Fordham Company, the production group behind Outback Wrangler, confirmed the tragedy in a statement yesterday.

"Matt Wright, his family and team are absolutely devastated by the tragic accident yesterday in Arnhem Land,” the company said.

“(They) are heartbroken by the loss of their best friend and highly respected colleague Chris 'Willow' Wilson,” the statement said.

“Our love and thoughts are with Chris’s wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin.

“Matt Wright and his team are assisting authorities with their investigations as to what caused this awful incident.”

The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and NT WorkSafe were also advised.

NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said an investigation into the crash was underway.

“Authorities reached the site this afternoon and confirmed the death of a 34-year-old man. The survivor, a 28-year-old man, was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital,” she said.

NT Police said it was advised of the helicopter crash shortly before 11am on Monday and sent its nearest officers, located on the Goulburn Islands, to the site.

It took the officers “several hours” to travel to King River by boat and CareFlight also dispatched a rescue helicopter.

King River, in West Arnhem Land, at the top of the Northern Territory. Picture: Google Maps

Outback Wrangler showcases the best of the Top End to more than 100 countries through its spot on the National Geographic channel.

The show regularly featured Mr Wright and Mr Wilson flying helicopters and steering airboats throughout some of the most remote parts of the Northern Territory as they wrangled massive saltwater crocodiles and relocated them.

Mr Wilson, known as “Willow” on the show, described himself on Instagram as a “crocodile wrangler and outback adventurer”.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Originally published as Outback Wrangler hit by tragedy as cast member Chris Wilson dies in helicopter crash