Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

November 1st, 2007

Macdonald honours Blaeberry crash rescuers

Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald made the following statement in the House today, honouring those who participated in the search and rescue operation following the plane crash in the Blaeberry.

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There have been a number of small plane crashes in my area that have resulted in fatalities.

Members will know that amongst the tragic deaths was an incredible story of survival. 3 year old Kate Williams was rescued from a downed plane only minutes before darkness fell. The crash had claimed the lives of her grandfather, Mr. Allen Williams and Mr. Steven Sutton of Edmonton.

Her grandfather’s care in strapping her into a car seat for the flight was an important part of her survival but the work of rescuers was also critically important. This involved Canadian Forces search and rescue professionals and the system in place to support them.

When they arrived in Golden Sgt. Ellison and Master Corporal Lapointe joined a very experienced local helicopter pilot, Don McTighe and Ian Foss who volunteers with Golden search and rescue. They went out in tough weather as darkness approached up the Blaeberry to Redfern creek which is very rough country.

They found her quickly and flew her to our hospital in Golden then on to Calgary Childrens’ hospital while other volunteer search and rescue personnel went into the crash site on the ground to work through almost to midnight to recover the bodies of Mr Williams and Mr Sutton.

Speaking to Ian Foss earlier today, he praised the Canadian Forces personnel. He also praised Don McTighe, our paramedic service as well as Golden search and rescue volunteers.

We are all incredibly fortunate to have volunteers supporting rescue efforts. In Golden like almost all communities, we have highly trained volunteers. We see them training, we see them raising funds to buy equipment and they are there when people are most desperate for help.

I know the House shares my tremendous relief that Kate is healthy and we pass along our sympathies to those who have lost loved ones.

I ask members to join me in showing our deep appreciation to those that take on the incredibly difficult job of search and rescue.

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