Okotoks man identified as pilot killed in air crash
An Okotoks pilot has been identified as the man who di ed in a helicopter crash near Slave Lake on Wednesday.
RCMP say Glen Freeland was flying a Robinson R-44 chopper from Peace River when he crashed into a hillside 12 kilometres southwest of Slave Lake.
Police say that at 12:30 p.m., an emergency beacon was activated and searchers located the wreckage in a heavily forested area.
“The family and friends of Glen Freeland are grieving his loss. He was a 38-yearold man with a quick wit and a passion for life,” his wife, Kirsten Freeland, said in a statement.
She said her husband was the owner of Fossil Communications Ltd., a company that specialized in remote communications products, and Fossil Industries.
He was returning to Okotoks via Canyon Creek.
“The family is grateful to the Slave Lake RCMP, the local helicopter companies, the entire rescue staff and the friends in Canyon Creek for their efforts,” she said.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which is investigating the crash, did not return calls for comment.
“It’s a horrible tragedy,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Roberta McKale. “This gentleman is 38, young (and has) a young family.” “It’s very, very sad.” The pilot was the lone occupant of the helicopter.
A service for Freeland will be held in Peace River on Dec. 15.