“What happened was a tragic accident that took the life of a close mate,” the spokesman said.
“His immediate concern following the accident was the condition of the two team members on-board at the time.
“The next priority was ensuring the other helicopters and team members at the site weren’t at risk and that the location was safe.
“Matt will not be making any further statement but he will be vigorously defending the charges.”
It’s understood Wright – who has been living in Queensland – has been told to attend a police station in Darwin by Wednesday when he is expected to be charged.
It comes after a police investigation running more than six months.
Wilson was collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of West Arnhem Land when the helicopter he was travelling in crashed on February 28. Helicopter pilot Sebastian Robinson also suffered serious spinal injuries in the crash.
Wright flew to the scene in another helicopter with three other people.
Two of those people – pilot Michael Burbidge and police officer Neil Mellon – have since been charged with a number of offences, including destroying evidence. Both remain before the courts.
The helicopter involved in the crash had been used by Wright’s company, Helibrook, for scenic and adventure tours in the Top End as well as crocodile egg harvesting between 2020 and 2022.
In the days after the crash, Wright shared a heartfelt tribute on social media to the man he called a “brother”.
“Willow you truly were an amazing person - a father every kid would wish for, a husband every man would aspire to be, a son to be proud of and a mate that’s a brother,” he captioned a series of images shared with his 510K Instagram followers on March 11.
“You have left an incredible legacy - you achieved so much, impacted those around you for the better and created adventures that showed everyone how to best spend our time here.”
He said he was grateful Wilson’s family would be able to keep his memory close by watching episodes of their television work.
“Mate, you were made for TV, a natural charisma and way with words that lit up the screen and made our shows what they are,” he said.
“I’m grateful Dani and the boys will be able to watch you and your adventures forever.”
Wright’s wife, Kaia, gave birth to the couple’s second child, a daughter named Dusty Faith, on November 18.
“Willow - how grateful I am that you and @mattwright found each other in this lifetime to play together,” she wrote in a tribute to Wilson in March.
“Thank you for being an awesome uncle to Banjo, he loved his Wiwow and thank you for answering every single one of my calls when I needed advice or to shoot the breeze, you’re the bloody best.”
