Outback Wrangler cast member and Top End husband and father Chris Wilson has been identified as the man killed in a helicopter crash in West Arnhem Land on Monday while collecting crocodile eggs, sources have confirmed to the NT Independent.

NT Police said they were alerted to the crash about 11am Monday, with the helicopter crashing at the King River, which runs into the Arafura Sea southwest of Goulburn Island and east of Maningrida.

They confirmed a 34-year-old man died, and a 28-year-old pilot was seriously injured.

A source said the pair were out collecting eggs when the helicopter’s engine failed, causing the chopper to crash.

The family have been notified about Mr Wilson’s death.

He was a longtime friend and colleague of crocodile wrangler Matt Wright, and appeared on National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler for more than 10 years. The program is seen in 130 countries.

Mr Wilson was also the managing director of Northern Australia Civil, a company whose other director is crocodile farmer and Darwin publican Mick Burns.

His company profile said he was a born-and-bred Territorian with 15 years experience in the civil construction industry, starting out as a labourer on a concreting crew.

The profile said that in 2018, he was awarded the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award for his contribution to the civil construction industry.

Mr Wilson is survived by his wife, and two young sons.

Jono Brown, Matt Wright and Chris Wilson in a promo shot for Outback Wrangler in 2018. National Geographic/Daniel Walkington

‘Devastated by the tragic accident’: Production company issues statement

The company that produces Outback Wrangler issued a statement on Tuesday about the incident.

“Matt Wright, his family and team are absolutely devastated by the tragic accident yesterday in Arnhem Land,” the statement from The Fordham Company said.

“[They] are heartbroken by the loss of their best friend and highly respected colleague Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson.

“Our love and thoughts are with Chris’s wife Danielle and two little boys Ted and Austin.

“Matt Wright and his team are assisting authorities with their investigations as to what caused this awful incident.”