Arrest warrant issued for TV star over helicopter fatality
Reality TV star and croc wrangler Matt Wright has been spotted at Sydney airport while on his way to Darwin to face several charges relating to a deadly helicopter crash in the Northern Territory.
NT Police issued an arrest warrant for the star on Monday, informing Wright’s legal team that he must present himself to a Darwin police station by 9am on Wednesday.
Wright is expected to be charged with several offences relating to the crash on February 28, including perverting the course of justice, destruction of evidence, fabricating evidence, interfering with witnesses and two counts of unlawful entry.
The accident resulted in the severe injury of one man and the death of fellow Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory star Chris “Willow” Wilson, who were in the helicopter collecting crocodile eggs.
Matt Wright was spotted at Sydney airport for his flight to Darwin. Image: Today Show
Footage captured by Today shows Wright arriving at the Qantas domestic check-in area on Tuesday morning with his wife Kaia and their one-week-old daughter Dusty.
As Wright walked through the airport to board his 8.15am flight, he was grilled by reporters about where he was heading.
"Are you flying to Darwin? Will you be handing yourself into police? Do you have anything to say about the allegations?" a reporter questioned.
"Did you interfere with any evidence? Did you fabricate witness statements?”
In a statement shared with NCA NewsWire on Monday, a spokesman for the 43-year-old said he “strenuously denies any wrongdoing”.
“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesman said.
“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on-board at the time.
“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.
“Matt will not be making any further statement, but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”
Wright, who was in another helicopter with three others, was one of the first people on the scene of the crash.
Pilot Michael Burbidge and police officer Neil Mellon were also on the helicopter with Wright and have been hit with serious charges.
Mellon, who will return to court on December 7, faces 35 offences, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, destroying evidence and making false declarations.
Burbidge is due to reappear in court on January 25 for four charges, which include the same three as Mellon as well as fabricating evidence.
Following the crash, Wright shared an emotional tribute to Wilson, who he described as a “brother”.
“Willow you truly were an amazing person – a father every kid would wish for, a husband every man would aspire to be, a son to be proud of and a mate that’s a brother,” he wrote, sharing a series of images.
“You have left an incredible legacy – you achieved so much, impacted those around you for the better and created adventures that showed everyone how to best spend our time here.
“Mate, you were made for TV, a natural charisma and way with words that lit up the screen and made our shows what they are.
“I’m grateful Dani and the boys will be able to watch you and your adventures forever.”
Image: Instagram