'Heartbroken' family of paramotorist killed in Sutherland air crash thank emergency services
Statements have been issued by the families of two high-profile paragliders who crashed while flying in north west Sutherland last Saturday.
Conservationist adventurer Sacha Dench miraculously survived the mid-air collision south of Unapool in which cameraman Dan Burton (54) was killed.
Ms Dench had reached Sutherland as part of her challenge to circumnavigate mainland Britain in a wind and green electricity powered paramotor, to raise awareness of the effects of climate change.
She was accompanied by experienced pilot Mr Burton, a pioneer in technical diving and paramotoring.
Police and ambulance both attended the scene, while the fire service sent two pumps and a special resource vehicle from Inverness.
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team was also called out and Ms Dench – known as the ‘Human Swan’ – was found conscious at the scene. She was taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, and is said to have been seriously injured.
The charity Conservation Without Borders, under whose auspices the challenge was taking place, later confirmed Mr Burton's death.
A statement issued by its trustees said: “In the last stages of the Round Britain Climate challenge, a major incident has occurred involving the lead and support paramotors on the expedition. The incident occurred in the Western Highlands of Scotland near Loch Na Gainmhich
"We are very sorry to have to confirm that Dan Burton, the support paramotorist, has died as a result of the accident."
Mr Burton’s family said on Wednesday that they were “utterly heartbroken” by his death.
Their statement added: “We want to thank all the emergency services, the police and the Conservation Without Borders ground crew, who did all they could to help respond to the accident....We have Sacha and her family in our thoughts and we wish her a speedy recovery.
“Dan’s life was dedicated to exploration and he believed there was no challenge that could not be overcome. He would want us all to continue the fight to protect our precious planet.”
Sacha’s parents, Steve and Ursula, said Mr Burton had become part of their family and would be greatly missed. They had taken great comfort in knowing that Sacha had his “strength and support”.
They said: “We also extend our thanks to all members of the Conservation Without Borders and Flight of the Swans teams who have shared the journey with Sacha and Dan, the good times, and the bad times. To the emergency services we thank you. To our Sacha, we love you dearly, you are a fighter, you are strong, you are brave, get well soon.”
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