UPDATE: Reality TV star Matt Wright has been found guilty of attempting to cover up evidence following a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of his close friend, Chris “Willow” Wilson. This devastating turn of events has shattered a brotherhood forged in the Australian outback, forever altering lives in the wake of a fatal incident.
The jury’s decision comes after a tense four-week trial in the Darwin Supreme Court, where Wright was convicted on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The crash, which occurred in February 2022 during a crocodile egg-collecting mission in Arnhem Land, left Wilson dead and pilot Sebastian Robinson paralyzed from the waist down.
The courtroom drama revealed a shocking series of accusations against Wright, including attempts to mislead crash investigators. Prosecutors did not allege that he was directly responsible for the crash, but they did claim he lied about the helicopter’s fuel levels and pressured Robinson to falsify flight hours. Wright’s actions were described as calculated and premeditated, occurring just hours after the crash that took his friend’s life.
In a poignant statement, Wilson’s widow, Dani, expressed her anguish outside the courthouse, emphasizing the personal toll of Wright’s actions: “Once again there will be an empty seat at the table, a constant reminder of all that has been taken from us.” Her heartbreak is palpable as she navigates life without her husband, who was known for his adventurous spirit.
The prosecution painted a picture of a close-knit group turned adversaries, with defense counsel David Edwardson arguing that Wright was a scapegoat in a tragic situation that decimated their brotherhood. “A group of men who were thick as thieves, without a care in the world, doing real Northern Territory outback stuff, will never be the same again,” he lamented.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a third charge related to Wright’s alleged attempt to destroy evidence. Covert recordings revealed conflicting statements about fuel levels that raised further questions about Wright’s integrity. He was heard claiming to an associate that the helicopter was out of fuel while previously telling police it was “half full.”
In a dramatic twist, Robinson testified via video link, describing the profound grief of losing his friend and the ongoing trauma of his injuries. He condemned Wright’s alleged cover-up, stating, “The scars of the defendant’s conduct are huge and permanent.” His powerful words highlight the human cost of the tragedy, as lives have been irreparably changed.
Looking ahead, Wright faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2023, where the full impact of his actions will be addressed. Wright’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the guilty verdicts, suggesting that this story is far from over.
As this case continues to unfold, the emotional fallout from the crash and subsequent trial resonates deeply within the community. The brotherhood that once thrived among these men has been irrevocably altered, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and friendship in the unforgiving terrain of the Australian outback.
