‘An Inspiration’: Woman Mourns Brother Who Died in Northwest Territories Plane Crash

Howie Benwell, 30, who recently died in the plane crash near Fort Smith, N.W.T., is shown in this handout image provided by sister Crystal Benwell. The Canadian Press/HO-Crystal Benwell

One of the victims of a charter plane crash outside of Fort Smith, N.W.T., earlier this week was a heavy equipment operator at a diamond mine who loved playing music and being an uncle, his sister said on Jan. 26.

Crystal Benwell confirmed her brother, Howie Benwell, was on a British Aerospace Jetstream that crashed shortly after takeoff on Jan. 23. Four passengers and two crew members died. One survivor is in hospital in Yellowknife.