Paekākāriki Chopper Crash: Remembering Pilot Joseph Keeley’s Past Actions

When Rick Lucas learned of a helicopter crash near his home, he was shocked to find that one of the victims was Joseph Keeley, the man who had saved him from a previous crash in the late 90s. Keeley, 54, a seasoned pilot, died alongside 25-year-old Cole Ritchie on January 28 while conducting pest control work on Transmission Gully. The crash prompted a significant recovery operation in the challenging terrain. Keeley had survived two previous crashes before this tragic incident claimed their lives.

Want More Context? 🔎