A “big guy with a big heart” is how the helicopter pilot lost in a crash while fighting wildfires in Northwestern Alberta last week is being remembered.
On Saturday, Aerial Recon Helicopters released 41-year-old Ryan Gould passed away Wednesday night when the helicopter he was piloting, operated by Valhalla Helicopters, went down near Peace River. Gould leaves behind his wife, Carlyn and sons, Gus and Evan.
Carlyn Gould took to Facebook saying the unexpected loss is heartbreaking and devastating to the family. The post continues, saying, “We will miss his big bear hugs, sense of humour and big burly beard so much.”
On Wednesday, July 19th, Peace River RCMP first received reports just before 7 p.m. of a missing helicopter and pilot, with the crash site having been located nearly an hour later. Officers were flown to the area near Haig Lake, where it’s reported forestry workers were doing CPR on the pilot and lone occupant of the helicopter. He was transported to Peace River Airport, where he was declared deceased.
A GiveSendGo campaign has been set up to help the family, as Gould was the primary provider for the family as of 11 a.m. Monday morning, over $122,000 had been donated to the campaign.
