A couple who tragically died in Monday’s helicopter crash near Shanklin have been named as Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski – with confirmation that the pilot also died in the devastating accident.
It was just before 09:30 yesterday that the Robinson R44 II took off from Sandown Airport, but ran into trouble around 800ft above Apse Heath. Within seconds, the helicopter began to spiral out of control before crashing into a hedgerow beside the A3020 Shanklin Road.
Tragically, Police have confirmed a total of 3 people lost their lives in the shocking incident, with a fourth individual – a male – flown by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to Southampton’s Major Trauma Centre with serious injuries.
2 of those who lost their lives have been named as Polish nationals Justyna Czoska, 52, and 49-year-old Wojtek Kowalkowski, both from Bloxham in Oxfordshire.
A family member has said:
“This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss.
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A GoFundMe has been launched to help repatriate the couple to Poland, and to assist with funeral arrangements. The fundraiser can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/justyna-czoskn.
The pilot has not yet been named, but next of kin have been informed.
Justyna Czoska’s daughters and family have said:
“We are heartbroken to share the passing of our mum, she was beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind – always wanting to make those around her happy. She was our best friend, we miss the sound of her voice, we will miss her forever. The memories with her will last a lifetime”.
Wojciech Kowalkowski’s family said he was:
“the father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed”. Justyna’s daughter added: “He always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person”.
Very very sad news.
We are islanders and we’re out yesterday travelling all over the island and thought what a beautiful island we have from freshwater to bembridge and from cowes to ventnor it was absolutely packed with people out enjoying themselves .
Beaches full everywhere and I noticed the ice team van was at least 30 deep at Compton way all a pleasure to see.
Then a tragic incident like this happens life is just not fair it’s heartbreaking , please to the families take out condolences we really feel for you and your loss