Tributes flow for Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson one year on from tragic chopper crash

The wife of Outback Wrangler star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson, who was tragically killed in a chopper crash last year, has shared an emotional tribute to her husband a year on from his death.

Loved ones of national icon Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson have shared tributes on the anniversary of his sudden death.

Tuesday marked a year since Mr Wilson, 34, was killed in a helicopter crash while collecting crocodile eggs on the King River in West Arnhem Land.

He left behind his wife Danielle and two young sons Ted and Austin.

Ms Wilson shared an emotional letter penned to her late husband on Facebook.

“A year ago today we lost you to the heavens in the most tragic of circumstances,” she said.

“The past year has been the longest and shortest of our lives.”

Danielle Wilson paid tribute to her late husband, Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson in a moving Facebook post.

“Time has stood still, yet we have blinked and a year has gone by without our greatest love.

“It has been the worst, toughest and most traumatising year — life without you is not the same and the world is a lesser place without you in it.

“I have grieved for you and the life that you never got to live, as well as what should have been.

“I also grieve for our beautiful boys Ted and Austin who have only short, yet sweet memories of life with their Dad.

“It is the absolute worst twist of fate to the most innocent and sweet loving boys, who idolised your every move, smile and words.”

“Today there remains more questions than answers in relation to your horrific death.

“It pains me that without answers we are no closer to closure.”

Fellow Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright also posted a video to his Instagram sharing memories of his time working with Mr Wilson.

“Willow was a true legend that lifted the energy wherever he was, with such a positive can do attitude you thought anything was possible when he was around,” he captioned the post.

“Willow lived for adventure, from the very first day I met him he had a sparkle in his eye that would carry him through some of the most amazing experiences across the world.”

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson was killed while collecting crocodile eggs on February 28, 2022.

“There was never a moment for rest or down time, Willow was always onto the next big thing, making the most of life and living it to its fullest.

“We miss our mate more than anything and his memory will live on through all of us —

Willow will go down in the history books as one of Australia’s truest legends.”

Mr Wright currently faces seven charges in relation to the fatal crash.

He first faced court in November charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and fabricating evidence.

Mr Wilson was also managing director of Northern Aviation Civil, which is based in Darwin.

WRSC Transport paid tribute to their good friend Chris Wilson on the one-year anniversary of his death. Picture: Facebook/Supplied

WRSC Transport workers also found a way to remember their “good friend” during the work day.

“WRSC held a quiet and reflecting breakfast this morning to remember our good friend Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson of Northern Australia Civil,” the business shared on social media.

“There’s not a day that goes by that we are not reminded of him in some way.”

Mr Wilson was officially farewelled in emotional scenes at Darwin Convention Centre in March last year and honoured again at the Noonamah Rodeo in August.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with the final report due to be released in June.