Author of the article: Jeff Labine

Mounties have confirmed the identity of the family involved in a fatal helicopter crash in northern Alberta on New Year’s Day.

Spirit River RCMP responded to an emergency signal from a helicopter in the Birch Hills County area near Eaglesham, which is approximately 480 kilometres north of Edmonton, just before 9 p.m. Friday. RCMP said in a Saturday news release the helicopter crashed in a farmer’s field near the intersection of Range Road 10 and Township Road 771.

RCMP Sgt. Shawn French confirmed with Postmedia on Sunday that one of the victims in the crash was Wade Balisky, the owner of the helicopter, along with his wife, Aubrey. He said two young girls were also killed in the crash. All four are believed to be from the same family.

Balisky ran a farm in the Grande Prairie area while Aubrey was a photographer. The couple has five children together.

Police said next of kin have been notified.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/mounties-confirm-identity-of-family-killed-in-helicopter-crash-in-northern-alberta