The third victim of a fatal helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight has been named by his “broken” family and described as a “wonderful and intelligent” father, police have said.
Simon Hewitt, 54, was on board the Northumbria Helicopters-operated aircraft, when it was seen “spiralling” toward the ground near Shanklin on Monday morning.
Couple Justyna Czoska, 52 and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, also died in the crash, Ms Czoska’s “devastated” daughter revealed. Police later confirmed their identities.
A fourth person remains in hospital in a serious condition following the crash, now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Mr Hewitt was from Barton-upon-Humber, and was described by his family as a “the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father” who “brought so much joy and light into our lives”.
Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski were from Banbury in Oxfordshire and had gone on the flight as part of a birthday present from Ms Buzar for her stepfather.
Following Monday’s incident, Ms Buzar’s husband, Jacob Butler, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring the couple’s bodies back to their native Poland.
Sharing the fundraiser on her Facebook page, Ms Buzar wrote: “I have no words, the world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone.
“I never thought I’d be writing something like this. Please if anyone could help bring them back to Poland so they can be with [their] families, it would mean the world to me. Rest in peace mum and Wojtek.”
The fundraising page has so far raised more than £700 through dozens of donations.
Wojciech Kowalkowski's family said he was "the father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed", and Ms Buzar said he “always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person".
Mr Butler wrote on the site: “My partner’s beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight.
“This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home.
“The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve.”
On Tuesday, the AAIB confirmed its investigation into the crash near the A3020 Shanklin Road was ongoing after it sent a team to the crash site. The investigation is likely to take a year to complete.
A spokesperson said: “Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire for further detailed investigation.”
Tracking data showed the helicopter was a Robinson R44 II helicopter, with Civil Aviation Authority records stating it was owned by Adventure 001 Ltd, but operated by Northumbria Helicopters.
In a statement reported by The Times, Northumbria Helicopters said the aircraft departed on a flying lesson from Sandown airport at around 9am with four people on board, including the pilot. The crash took place at around 9.20am.
Leigh Goldsmith, a witness to the crash, told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge.
Shanklin Town Council said it was "shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town". In a statement to the BBC, it praised the pilot for "bringing the helicopter down" away from urban areas.
The island’s two MPs - Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson - led the reaction on social media.
Mr Quigley said: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved. And my thanks to each and every one of the island’s emergency services who attended the incident.”
Mr Robertson added: “It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport. The whole community is in shock.”
Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “My thoughts are with the families of the three people killed in the Isle of Wight helicopter accident in Ventnor this morning. A fourth person is critically ill in hospital. This is a tragic incident. The families and loved ones of those involved are being supported.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a statement: “We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition.”
