Late Wigwe’s daughter honours parents, brother lost in tragic helicopter crash

Otutochi, the daughter of the late Nigerian banking magnate Herbert Wigwe has shared her grief and reflections one year after losing her father, mother, and brother in a tragic helicopter crash in 2024.

The emotional message, posted on her Instagram account (@otutochiwigwe), has touched the hearts of many as she opened up about her journey through grief, resilience, and the responsibility of becoming a pillar for her younger siblings.

The tragic incident, which occurred in February 2024, claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and their son, leaving the family and the nation in mourning.

Herbert Wigwe, the former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s financial sector, and his untimely death sent shockwaves across the country and beyond.

Otutochi, Wigwe’s daughter

In her tribute, Wigwe’s daughter described the past 12 months as a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by laughter, anger, and profound sadness. She reflected on the immense challenge of navigating life without her “three greatest pillars” and the struggle to rediscover happiness and her own identity.

“It has been a year since I lost the 3 greatest pillars in my life: my father, mother, and brother.

“In the last 12 months, I’ve lived through a lifetime of emotions: laughter, anger, and sadness.

“I’ve grappled with the challenge of finding my way back to happiness, rediscovering who I am, and embracing the strength I need to become a solid foundation for my younger siblings.”

Background

Herbert Wigwe was a Nigerian businessman and investor.

He was the co-founder and former Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest banks.

On February 9, 2023, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and their friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Southern California, United States.

The helicopter, an Eurocopter EC130, crashed over the Mojave Desert between 10 pm and 11 pm California time.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

He was remembered for his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s financial sector and his philanthropic efforts.

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