Two of the victims of a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight have been named by their “heartbroken and devastated” family.
Three people were killed and another airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after the Robinson R44 II helicopter came down during a flying lesson near the A3020 Shanklin Road on Monday morning.
Now a fundraising page has been set up for Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski, from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, by Jacob Butler, the partner of daughter Julia.
Appealing for help in paying repatriation costs to return the pair to their native country of Poland so they can be buried there with their families, Mr Butler wrote on the GoFundMe page: “On August 25th, 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. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, support, and for keeping our family in your thoughts.”
Daughter Julia Buzar posted on Facebook: “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 there families it would mean the world to me rest in peace mum and Wojtek.”
Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, where Ms Czoska worked as a horse-riding instructor, posted on Facebook a tribute to her describing her as “our lovely Justyna”.
The post says: “Justyna’s lessons were always filled with smiles, fun and happiness!
“Tragically Justyna & her partner were involved in a fatal helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight yesterday.
“Our thoughts go out to Justyna’s daughters, family and friends at this awful time.
“Justyna was a wonderful coach, horse woman and lovely lady.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
“My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition.
“This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time.
“I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff.
“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened.
“This is a heart-breaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.”
A spokesman for Northumbria Helicopters said that its aircraft G-OCLV – which is listed as a Robinson R44 II helicopter – was involved in the accident during a flying lesson.
The firm said: “The flight, which departed from Sandown Airport at approximately 9am, was carrying four passengers on board including the pilot, and was undertaking a flying lesson.”
Witness Leigh Goldsmith 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.
Emergency services said that four people were onboard, with one of those taken by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in a serious condition to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton.
Local fire crews also attended and an Air Accidents Investigation Branch team was sent to investigate.
Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, told Times Radio the incident was “heartbreaking”, saying what should have been a fun morning out turned to “tragedy”.
