Territory TV star Matt Wright speaks about Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s death
Territory TV star Matt Wright has opened up on the death of his good mate Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson. Read how it affected him.
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High profile Territory TV star and crocodile wrangler Matt Wright has opened up on the impact his good mate Chris “Willow” Wilson’s death had on him.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Wright, who starred alongside Mr Wilson in the National Geographic series Outback Wrangler, said his mate’s death was “still pretty raw”.
“It’s still pretty fresh,” he said.
Mr Wright did not go into specific details about the crash that killed Mr Wilson, as high profile Territorians who allegedly interfered with the investigation into the crash continue to appear before the courts.
“Maybe in time, you know … I’ll explain,” he said.
Mr Wright has been overseas promoting a new Tourism Australia campaign.
Mr Wilson was killed when the Robinson R44 helicopter he was dangling below crashed on a crocodile egg collecting mission on February 28.
The 34-year-old father of two’s body was found 40m from the wreckage of the chopper near the King River in West Arnhem.
His pilot, Sebastian Robinson, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, was critically injured in the crash.
Mr Wright said he was not present at the time of the crash and had no involvement in the accident.
“It wasn’t with myself, we weren’t on the jobs or anything,” he said.
“The boys were out doing another job with another pilot and stuff.
“Unfortunately, the machine went down and Willow was killed in the process. So, it’s taken a horrible toll this year.”
Former police officer Neil Mellon has been charged with more than 30 offences in relation to the crash, including conspiring to destroy evidence, gaining benefit by deception and disclosing confidential information.
Remote Helicopters Australia director and chief pilot Michael Burbidge has also been charged with a number of offences including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence, making a false declaration and fabricating evidence.
During Mr Burbidge’s bail application last month, Darwin Local Court heard he was prohibited from contacting Mr Wright.
“We’re not saying Mr Burbidge is the main player, or indeed a central player,” prosecutor Steve Ledek said.
“But he is part of an overall matrix of individuals who have come together to obfuscate and to impede the proper investigation into the circumstances of that fatality.”
Mr Ledek successfully applied for Mr Wright’s wife, Kaia Wright, as well as several others, to be added to the non-contact order.
Mr Wright, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, has not been charged in relation to the crash.
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