The family of a Vancouver Island pilot presumed dead after a helicopter crash off the coast of Greece says he was a “an amazing young man” who left behind “30 years of incredible memories.”
The family of a Vancouver Island pilot presumed dead after a helicopter crash off the coast of Greece says he was a “an amazing young man” who left behind “30 years of incredible memories.”
Capt. Kevin Hagen was among five crew members missing after a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter crashed Wednesday in the Ionian Sea while taking part in NATO exercises.
The Department of National Defence said Friday all missing crew members are presumed dead. The body of a sixth crew member — naval officer Sub-Lt. Abbigail Cowbrough — was recovered almost immediately after the crash.
Recovery efforts are underway for Hagen and the others — Capt. Brenden Ian MacDonald, Capt. Maxime Miron-Morin, Sub-Lt. Matthew Pyke and Master-Cpl. Matthew Cousins.
Hagen, a pilot, was 30 years old. He was born in Nanaimo, but family members said he spent time in many different communities off the coast of B.C., including Ladysmith, Victoria and Quadra Island.
He was a graduate of the 848 Royal Roads Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Victoria.
“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones today as we all process the grief of losing an alumni of our squadron,” said the organization in a statement.
Steffen Hagen, his father, said the family is devastated.
“This is t