Man dies after fall from chopper near Derby, WA
A man died after he fell about 150m from a helicopter during a scenic flight over the West Kimberley yesterday.
The man, believed to be in his 60s, booked the scenic flight with a Derby-based tourism company earlier in the day.
Insp. David Picton-King said the man jumped from the aircraft while south of Derby near the Willare Bridge Roadhouse on the Great Northern Highway about 1.30pm.
He said the pilot conducted a search of the area after the man jumped from the tourism charter helicopter but had no success.
Police and emergency services were advised and after a brief ground and aerial search involving police, local residents and the helicopter, the man's body was found.
"The pilot has reported that as he flew at about 500ft altitude, the man suddenly unfastened his seatbelt, opened the passenger door and jumped from the aircraft," Insp. Picton-King said.
"Derby police and detectives are conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident."
Insp. Picton-King said police believed the death was a suicide but they would investigate all possible circumstances for the coroner.
If you or someone you know is depressed or thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
Unbelievable......