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Richest Czech man among 5 killed in Alaska helicopter crash

Czech Obit Kellner
Posted at 1:17 PM, Mar 29, 2021
and last updated 2021-03-29 15:17:24-04

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Five people have died in a helicopter crash in Alaska's backcountry, including the Czech Republic's richest man.

Billionaire Petr Kellner died in the crash, along with another person from the Czech Republic, one man from Colorado, and two Alaska residents including the pilot.

According to The Associated Press, Kellner's wealth was estimated by Forbes at $17.4 billion.

A sixth person is hospitalized in a serious but stable condition in Anchorage.

According to The AP, the five people killed were identified as Petr Kellner, 56, and Benjamin Larochaix, 50, both of the Czech Republic; Gregory Harms, 52, of Colorado; and two Alaska residents, Sean McManamy, 38, of Girdwood, and the pilot, Zachary Russel, 33, of Anchorage.

The contracted helicopter crashed Saturday as it was taking three guests and two guides from a lodge on a heli-skiing adventure.

The bodies were recovered Sunday from the crash site near the Knik Glacier and turned over to the state medical examiner.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.