In a shocking turn of events, Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, lost his life in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, on Friday night. The incident claimed the lives of six individuals, including Wigwe, his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
Herbert Wigwe Helicopter Crash
The ill-fated helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC 130, was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the crash on Friday night, and as of Saturday morning, no survivors had been found, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“We were made aware of a downed aircraft at approximately 10:12 p.m., on February 10, 2024. The scene of the crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road,” stated the sheriff’s department.
The crash site is located near Nipton, a small community in California, close to the border with Nevada. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the crash.
Herbert Wigwe, known for his leadership in the financial sector, had served as the Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc. The tragic incident not only claimed his life but also the lives of his immediate family and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a prominent figure in the Nigerian financial community.
Access Holdings has yet to release an official statement regarding the tragic loss of its CEO, but the news has sent shockwaves through the business and financial community, both in Nigeria and globally.
The Eurocopter EC 130 involved in the crash is a popular model known for its use in various civilian and commercial operations. The investigation will focus on determining the factors leading to the crash and any potential mechanical failures or human errors.
As friends, family, and colleagues mourn the loss of Herbert Wigwe and the other victims, the financial community will undoubtedly feel the impact of this tragic event. The circumstances surrounding the crash will be closely examined as the investigation unfolds, shedding light on the events leading to the untimely demise of one of Nigeria’s prominent business leaders.