what causes herbert wigwe death? The co-founder of Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California on Friday. Access Holdings has officially announced the demise of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the Founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc. The billionaire investor died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter accident in the United States of America. Access Bank conveyed this somber news through an official statement signed by Sunday Ekwoche, the Group Company Secretary, on Sunday, February 11, 2024. What Access Bank said The statement read. It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Pic (‘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 Pic (‘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 Chuzi. 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 joing the Bank in 2002. Speaking on Dr. Wigwe’s demise, the Chairman of Access Holdings, Abubakar Jimoh, expressed his sentiments, stating: “The Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr Wigwe who was & great friend and fine gentleman. He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal quality, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude “In line with the Company’s policy, the Board will soon announce the appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer even as we remain confident that the Access Group will build further on Or Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.” Backstory Nairametrics first reported a helicopter crash involving the business mogul at the California-Nevada border, with uncertainties about his survival. The Eurocopter EC 130, en route from Palmsprings to Boulder City, crashed around 10 pm (US California Time). The businessman was possibly heading to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas with his family. The National Travel and Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the Airbus Helicopters EC-130 crash near Halloran Springs, California. The FAA and other authorities are also involved in the ongoing inquiry to determine the cause of the tragic incident. According to the San Bernardino county sheriff department, authorities were alerted of the crash at about 10.10pm on Friday night. All six people on board, including two helicopter pilots, were reported dead – but their identities were not immediately released. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. CNN reported that investigators planned to return to the crash site on Sunday to document using a drone. Witnesses reported that the helicopter caught fire after crashing. And weather conditions at the time of the crash including rain and a wintry mix. “I am shocked and deeply distressed by the news of the passing of Mr Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished banker, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, and Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group … along with members of the Wigwe family – Herbert’s wife, [Doreen] Chizoba, and son, Chizi,” Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said in a statement. “Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension. I extend my condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.” According to Access Bank’s website, Wigwe became managing director and chief executive in 2014 after first working for the bank in 2002. Access Bank is the largest bank in Nigeria. “Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect,” Wigwe wrote in a post on X in January 2024. “Let’s honor this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”