Texas Parks and Wildlife employees killed in helicopter crash

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) – Three Texas Parks and Wildlife employees have been killed in a helicopter crash in West Texas.

They were conducting surveys for desert bighorn sheep Saturday when the chopper went down in TPWD’s Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County.

The victims are identified as Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridge, Fish and Wildlife Technician Brandon White, and State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Bob Dittmar. The pilot, a private contractor, survived the crash and was transported to a hospital in El Paso.

“No words can begin to express the depth of sadness we feel for the loss of our colleagues in this tragic accident,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “These men were consummate professionals, deeply liked and highly regarded by their peers and partners alike for the immense passion, dedication, and expertise they brought to their important work in wildlife management and veterinary medicine.  Wildlife conservation in Texas lost three of its finest as they so honorably and dutifully carried out their calling to help survey, monitor and protect the bighorns of their beloved west Texas mountains.  We will miss Dewey, Brandon, and Dr. Bob deeply and dearly.  All of us at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Stockbridge, White, and Dittmar families in the wake of this devastating tragedy and continue to pray for the health and recovery of the pilot.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Texas Game Wardens are currently investigating  the crash.

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