The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a helicopter crash on the Homathko River near Stewart Island on April 13, 2013.

He is Michael Kent Monson, aged 48, from Selah, Washington.

Mr. Monson was one of six aboard a helicopter on a heli-fishing trip in the Bute Inlet area on April 13. The helicopter crashed shortly after take-off from one location along the Homathko River and plunged back into the river. The other five persons on board were able to exit the helicopter and were rescued; however, Mr. Monson was deceased at the scene.

An RCMP underwater recovery team recovered Mr. Monson's body on April 15.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Monson has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133