(THUNDER BAY, ON.) – On Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at approximately 11:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Trenton of the crash of a small plane.  The Keystone Air Service flight was on route from Winnipeg to the North Spirit Lake First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) from the North Spirit Lake First Nation and the OPP North West Region responded to this remote location to assist JRCC in the search and rescue effort.

The deceased have been identified as: Martha CAMPBELL, a 38 year old female from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Colette EISINGER, a 39 year old female from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ben VAN HOEK, a 62 year old male from Carmen, Manitoba; and Fariborz ABASABADY, a 41 year old male who was the pilot.  Brian SHEAD, a 36 year old male from Winnipeg, Manitoba was injured and survived.

Members of the OPP North West Region and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) will remain on the scene to assist the Transportation Safety Board with the investigation.

Further information will not be available from the OPP. Requests for further information should be made to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

- 30 -

Contact:

Provincial Constable Carol Michtics

Community Services Officer

Nipigon Detachment

Phone:  (807) 824-2333