Coroner Identifies Victims of Tragic Helicopter Crash Near Baker, California

BAKER, CA – A recent update from the San Bernardino County coroner's office has provided the names of the six individuals who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, in a remote desert area near Baker, California.

The victims have been identified as Blake R. Hansen, aged 22, from Moorpark, California; Benjamin D. Pettingill, 25, from Camarillo, California; and the Wigwe family – Herbert O. Wigwe, 57, Doreen C. Wigwe, 56, and Herbert C. Wigwe, 29 – all hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, along with Abimbola O. Ogunbanjo, 61, also a resident of Lagos, Nigeria.

At around 10:12 p.m. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dispatch was alerted to a catastrophic event -- a downed aircraft located roughly one-quarter mile east of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road.

Upon the arrival of emergency response teams, it was confirmed that all occupants onboard the aircraft had perished.

Initially, the identities of the deceased were withheld from the public to allow for the process of positive identification and to ensure that next of kin notifications were carried out.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are diligently working to uncover the cause of the crash. All inquiries regarding the details and progress of the investigation are being directed accordingly.

(Coroner Releases Names of Those Who Perished in February 9 Helicopter Crash)Photo by(Flightaware)