Ten people were killed in a helicopter crash in Argentina during filming for the Zodiak Media adventure format Dropped for TF1.
Of the ten people who were killed, eight were French nationals and two were Argentinean pilots. Among the deceased were London 2012 Olympic swimming champion Camille Muffat, boxer Alexis Vastine and sailor Florence Arthaud.
TF1 issued a statement regarding the tragedy that read: “It is with deep regret that we learned of the accident that took place during filming of the program Dropped. Nonce Paolini and all the teams at TF1 express their deepest sympathy for the pain suffered by the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Zodiak Media also released a statement: “Across the entire Zodiak Media group we are incredibly saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts are with everyone involved and their families at this time following the terrible helicopter crash on the ALP production of Dropped in Argentina. “The information we have to date is that the accident occurred during transportation by helicopter carrying members of cast and crew to the shooting location. A few minutes after take-off, around 5 p.m. on Monday, while the two helicopters were flying in parallel lines, one of them unexpectedly deviated from its course and collided with the other.
The first helicopter was filming the second one which was transporting the cast. Amongst the victims were the three sporting personalities (Florence Arthaud, Camille Muffat and Alexis Vastine), five technical crew members who have been collaborating with us on many productions (Laurent Sbasnik, Lucie Mei-Dalby, Volodia Guinard, Brice Guilbert and Edouard Gilles) and two highly experienced pilots (Juan Carlos Castillo and Roberto Abate).
“As always in the event of an air crash and when French nationals die abroad, a preliminary enquiry has been opened for which the air transportation police is in charge and with whom the production is fully cooperating.” the statement said.
