Canadian correspondent Ken Nowicki reported from a phone in the bush just a day or so after the accident, prompting us to send out an Email Extra Bulletin with basic information about the accident. The hunters reportedly were transporting into an area in order to pursue Dall sheep when Scott lost control of the aircraft. A group of hunters witnessed the crash and called for help on a satellite phone. Scott, who reportedly was ejected from the aircraft, was taken to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Wiebe and his client died on the scene. Wiebe is survived by his wife, Bernice, and two children. Hundreds of friends, acquaintances and colleagues attended his funeral in Jaffrey, Alberta, where he and his wife grew up and were raising their family. A memorial service and a fund for Wiebe's children are in the works. We will report the details when they become available.
As for the hunting client, Behrle was from Tipton, Iowa. His death is the second tragedy for his family in three years. In May of 2007 his 20-year-old son, Spc. David Behrle, was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Jim Lancaster of Nahanni Butte Outfitters expressed his condolences to both the hunter's and Wiebe's families. He stated that he believed "those good men would want the hunt to go on" and that Nahanni Butte Outfitters would be back to work right away and carrying out all scheduled hunts for this season. According to Nowicki, Nahanni Butte Outfitters already has another helicopter and pilot in place, as well as a guide to handle expected clients.........(continued)
