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On June 18, 2020, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario identified the remains of four of the six Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members killed in the CH-148 “Stalker 22” Cyclone helicopter crash of April 29.
Remains of the following CAF members have been positively identified:
· Captain Kevin Hagen, Pilot, originally from Nanaimo, B.C.
· Captain Maxime Miron-Morin, Air Combat Systems Officer, originally from Bécancour, Que.
· Sub-Lieutenant Matthew Pyke, Naval Warfare Officer, originally from Truro, N.S.
· Master Corporal Matthew Cousins, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator, originally from Guelph, Ont.
Their remains were located and recovered during a combined CAF-United States Navy search and recovery operation conducted between May 25 and June 2. The families of all crew members lost in the accident have been notified.
Remains of Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough, a Marine Systems Engineering Officer originally from Toronto, Ont., were previously identified shortly after the accident. Partial remains of Captain Brenden MacDonald, a Pilot originally from New Glasgow, N.S., were originally identified on May 9; no further remains were found in the recovery operations.
“To the families of our fallen members of Stalker 22, our hearts are with you and the entire RCAF team continues to mourn with you,” said LGen Al Meinzinger, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. “In this period of sadness, we hope you are comforted by the fond memories of your loved ones as well as the outpouring of love and support from Canadians across the country. Our Maritime Helicopter community is a tightly knit group who also forms a unique bond with our Navy partners. Together, we’ll honour and remember the legacies of our fallen, while also standing behind those who will pick up their torch and carry on with the mission. My sincerest thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring our aviators and sailors home to Canada in a dignified manner that reflects the professionalism with which they served.”
Over the coming days, our fallen who have now been positively identified will be released to the families so they can be brought home. Ceremonial arrangements are being planned by the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force in consultation with the families, and will be communicated when available.
