Outback Wrangler Matt Wright, a figure often associated with daring wildlife exploits, now faces an unprecedented personal and professional crisis, battling significant legal challenges on two fronts. This tumultuous period includes both a looming criminal trial and a profound civil lawsuit, a direct consequence of a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of his close friend and co-star, Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.
The catastrophic incident occurred on February 28, 2022, when the Robinson R44 helicopter, reportedly owned by Wright’s company Helibrook, plummeted into a remote paperbark swamp near the King River in West Arnhem Land. At the time of the helicopter crash, Chris Wilson was dangerously suspended 30 meters below the aircraft on a 100-foot sling, undertaking the hazardous task of collecting crocodile eggs.
In bombshell documents, Dani, the grieving widow of Chris Wilson, has initiated a compelling civil lawsuit against Wright, directly challenging his assertion of having no duty of care towards her deceased husband. Dani’s legal filings argue that Wright and his company had a clear obligation to ensure all aerial activities were conducted under appropriate circumstances, with paramount safety, and in strict adherence to legal guidelines, implying significant operational oversights.
The allegations extend to specific operational deficiencies, including claims that Helibrook was inadequately prepared to train for such complex landings. Furthermore, Dani contends that the pilot, Sebastian Robinson, was dangerously distracted from the cockpit dashboard during the high-stakes ‘slinging’ maneuver, raising critical questions about procedural adherence and pilot attention in a high-risk environment.
The lawsuit also posits that Wright and Helibrook should have been acutely aware of the intense physical and mental strains placed upon pilots and participants during such dangerous stunts, which could compromise their safety. Dani asserts that Wright should have implemented several crucial preventative measures, such as ensuring the helicopter was adequately fueled and operated strictly within its prescribed limits, to mitigate the risks that ultimately led to the fatal outcome.
Conversely, Matt Wright, a prominent former Netflix star, has strongly denied most of the claims brought against him and Helibrook by Dani. He explicitly refutes any accusations of negligence on his company’s part and insists he did not owe Mr. Wilson a ‘non-delegable duty of care,’ signaling a resolute defense against the serious allegations laid out in this complex legal battle.
Adding to his woes, Wright is also confronting a formidable criminal trial, facing three severe counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. This high-profile case has already seen multiple court appearances and recent procedural delays, with Justice Blow postponing the jury process until after a local public holiday, intensifying the scrutiny on the former Tourism Australia ambassador.
As the Outback Wrangler navigates these profound legal challenges, the consequences of the fatal incident continue to unfold, including life-altering injuries to pilot Sebastian Robinson, who was rendered a paraplegic. This ongoing saga, a significant piece of legal news, highlights the intricate complexities of high-risk commercial operations and the profound responsibilities incumbent upon those who undertake them, with the ultimate resolutions eagerly awaited.
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