BREAKING: Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe Feared Killed In California Helicopter Crash

Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, has died in a helicopter crash in California on Friday night.

The accident also claimed the lives of other individuals.

ABC News reports that no survivors have been found in the crash that occurred in the Mojave Desert shortly after 10:00 pm PST on Friday.

“The scene of the crash was determined to be east of the 15-Freeway, near Halloran Springs Road,” ABC News quoted a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to have said on Saturday.

“We are not able to confirm how many people were on board or their names. No survivors have been located.”

UPDATE: Access Bank has confirmed the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter crash in the U.S.

The bank said in a statement signed by Mr Sunday Ekwochi, Group Company Secretary, Access Holdings.

“It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).

“Dr Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.

“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.

“Dr Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002,” he said.

Commenting on the passage, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, said, “the Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman.

“He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude”.

Jimoh said in line with the company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

He expressed hope that “the Access Group will build further on Dr Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”