TRIBUTES TO HELICOPTER CRASH DEAD
THE daughter of one of two couples killed in a helicopter crash has described how her family “changed within the space of a day”.
Five members of the same family died in the tragedy in Snowdonia National Park.
The tragedy occurred when the Twin Squirrel aircraft crashed in the Rhinog Mountains near Trawsfynyedd on Wednesday while travelling from Luton to Dublin.
The victims were named by police as Kevin and Ruth Burke, aged 56 and 49; Donald and Sharon Burke, aged 55 and 48; and Barry Burke, 51, all from the greater Milton Keynes area.
Yesterday tributes were paid to the family by Kath Stewardson and the Stewardson family.
They said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their support and messages of condolences on the loss of our wonderful daughter, sister and auntie, Sharon Burke, her husband Donald, his brothers Kevin and Barry, and also Kevin’s wife Ruth.
“We are truly overwhelmed with all your love and support.
“Our thoughts at this time are especially with Sharon and Donald’s three wonderful children who are a credit to their parents.
“We would like to pass on our special thanks to all of the emergency services and public who helped in the search and recovery of our loved ones – also the police liaison officers who have been a great help at this difficult time.”
Tributes were also paid by Donald and Sharon Burke’s daughter Olivia who said her family had “changed within the space of a day”.
She added: “They were taken far too soon and it’s hard for us to understand why such a tragedy would happen to the best type of people who were so selfless and genuine to everyone they met.
“They embodied every attribute of an amazing parent, sibling, child and friend. That will never be forgotten and will only make us aspire to do them proud.
“We would appreciate if everyone could respect our wishes to be left alone and allow us the time to come to terms with the events of the last few days through the support of our family and friends.”
The bodies of the victims have now been recovered as well as the remains of the helicopter, which has been transported from the Rhinog Mountains for a detailed examination by the Air Accident Investigation Board (AAIB).
The Air Restricted Zone in place since last week has now been removed but the scene is still cordoned off and protected by police as a further search and examination is required.
Chief Inspector Richie Green, of North Wales Police, said: “Now those who tragically lost their lives have been recovered and the wreckage removed a further methodical search and examination is required before we can release the ‘scene’.
“I am very grateful for the continued patience and understanding of the public as we bring this complex and difficult stage of the investigation to a close.
“The AAIB will now begin a detailed examination of the aircraft whilst my officers speak with witnesses and to this end we are still appealing to anyone who was in the Rhinog Mountains area of Snowdonia between 12pm and 1pm on Wednesday, March 29, and may have heard or seen the helicopter.
“North Wales Police and Thames Valley Police continue to support family members and they asked for the tributes and photographs to be shared.
“Our thoughts remain with them.”