Justin Gould identified as man who died in a freak helicopter accident near Gapuwiyak

The man who died in a freak helicopter accident near Gapuwiyak has been remembered as a volunteer firefighting hero and a rugby league ‘champion’. Read the details.

NT Firefighter Games 2012 at Fred's Pass Reserve Jabiru Firestation Captain Justin Gould, 41 was quick on his feet to make a time of 28.25sec.

The man who died in a freak helicopter accident near Gapuwiyak on Monday has been remembered as a “dedicated family man”, volunteer firefighting hero and a “champion” of his old rugby league club.

Justin Gould was killed when a bird crashed into him while he was a passenger in a Bell 206L Longranger helicopter while carrying out his work with telecommunications company Telstra.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was investigating the incident, confirming the 54-year-old was a passenger in the helicopter “when it struck a bird, and [he] sustained fatal injuries”.

Mr Gould had lived an active life across the Top End, most recently in Nhulunbuy where he had previously served as the Fire Auxiliary Captain

His tireless community volunteer work was recognised in 2016 when Mr Gould was awarded the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, with the commendation praising his service to the community.

Justin Gould (L) alongside Darrin Weetra (R) as the 2016 volunteer and career firefighters of the year. Picture: Facebook

“[Mr Gould’s] father Peter was a firefighter and that is what Justin grew up with in Darwin,” the commendation read.

“Justin supported the community of Jabiru for the nine years he lived there, being committed and engaged in every aspect of the fire station and the community.

“His ‘have a go’ and ‘give it your best’ attitude transformed the Jabiru Fire Station into a community focussed and engaged station in all aspects.”

Mr Gould’s tenacious attitude was also recognised by his old Nightcliff Dragons rugby league teammates.

Nightcliff Dragons vice president Mark Wright described Mr Gould as a “champion both on and off the field”.

Mr Gould had been working for Telstra at the time of the accident. Picture: Facebook

“On field he had tremendous courage and ability and also he was about giving everything possible to support his team anyway he could,” Mr Wright said.

“Off field he was a dedicated family man, from a great long time Darwin family known for their generosity and hospitality.

“He will be greatly missed not only by the Nightcliff Dragons rugby league club, but the game of rugby league in Darwin itself.”

Another former teammate Paddy Stephensen remembered Mr Gould as his “loyal captain”.

“Back in the late 90s, he was a fearless bloke who lead by example and would not take a backward step,” Mr Stephensen said.

Nightcliff's Tipene Aranu (centre) takes off with the ball as teammate Justin Gould (left) prepares to tackle any members of the opposite team. Circa: 8/1992.

“You knew when you took the field with Gouldy, you were in it till the last minute and then sing the Dragons song ‘oh what a beauty’.”

A Telstra spokeswoman said the company was “deeply saddened” by the loss of Mr Gould while at work.

“Our team member was at work at the time of the incident,” the spokeswoman said.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleague’s family and friends and will do all we can to support them through this difficult time.

“We continue to work to assist regulators in relation to their investigations.”

WorkSafe NT have been notified and NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner.