(DALLAS, August 10, 2020) DSC is deeply saddened to learn of the helicopter crash at the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area (WMA) that took the lives of three Wildlife Division staff. The team working for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) was conducting aerial surveys for desert bighorn sheep. The victims include Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridge, Fish and Wildlife Technician Brandon White, and State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Bob Dittmar. The Black Gap WMA is in Brewster County in west Texas. The pilot, a private contractor, survived the crash and was transported to El Paso for further treatment.
Corey Mason, DSC Executive Director, said, “When one of our conservation partners falls, we all are affected deeply, but the loss of not just one but three friends and conservation professionals is devastating. The DSC community extends its sincerest condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends—to all who knew Dewey, Brandon, and Dr. Dittmar.”
The trio of conservationists were “consummate professionals, deeply liked and highly regarded by their peers and partners alike for the immense passion, dedication, and expertise they brought to their important work in wildlife management and veterinary medicine,” said Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director. “No words can begin to express the depth of sadness we feel for the loss of our colleagues in this tragic accident.” Smith also expressed concern and hope for the recovery of the pilot from his injuries.
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