Outback Wrangler star dies in helicopter crash in remote part of Northern Territory aged 34

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson has been identified as the man killed after a plane crash in a remote part of West Arnhem Land. 

The star of National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler was named by the show’s production company on Tuesday. 

Wilson leaves behind his wife Danielle and the couple’s sons, Ted and Austin. He was 34. 

Loss: Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson (pictured) has been identified as the man killed after a plane crash in a remote part of West Arnhem Land

A statement issued Tuesday from The Fordham Company, which produces Outback Wrangler, referred to the ‘heartbreak’ suffered by all working on the show, including host Matt Wright. 

‘Matt Wright, his family and team are absolutely devastated by the tragic accident yesterday in Arnhem Land’  it read. 

‘[They] are heartbroken by the loss of their best friend and highly respected colleague Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’. 

Tragic: The star of National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler was named by the show’s production company on Tuesday. He was 34

‘Matt Wright and his team are assisting authorities with their investigations as to what caused this awful incident.’

Host Matt Wright said in his own statement: ‘Our love and thoughts are with Chris’ wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin as well as the families and friends of Chris and Seb during this incredibly tough time’. 

Northern Territory personality David Connolly,, who manages the Tipperary Group of Stations, also added a tribute on social media.   

Family: Wilson leaves behind his wife Danielle and the couple’s sons, Ted and Austin. He was 34. All pictured 

‘Willow was a born and bred Territorian and drove and chased and caught most things possible,’ he wrote. 

‘We lost a great man and a good friend in Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson yesterday in a Heli accident. Our thoughts are with his young family.’

Outback Wrangler follows the work of helicopter pilot and animal catcher, Matt Wright, and his adventurous life in the Australian outback.

Airing on National Geographic, the show, which launched in 2015, screens in over 90 countries around the world. 

Statement: A statement issued Tuesday from The Fordham Company, which produces Outback Wrangler, referred to the ‘heartbreak’ suffered by all working on the show, including host Matt Wright (right) 

Wilson, described as a ‘crocodile wrangler’ and ‘outback adventurer’, lent his skills to the program, including filming episodes aboard in Indonesia. 

Northern Territory police confirmed on Monday that a 34-year-old man was killed and a 28-year-old man seriously injured in the accident. 

‘The survivor, a 28-year-old man, was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital,’ Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said. 

Police were advised of the crash shortly before 11am and dispatched the nearest officers at Goulburn Island to attend the location on King River, several hours away by boat.

CareFlight also dispatched a rescue helicopter, and the Australian Rescue Coordination Centre, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and NT WorkSafe were also advised.

Authorities reached the site on Monday afternoon and confirmed the death of a 34-year-old man.

The survivor, a 28-year-old man, was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Investigations into the crash are under way.