Vincent Van Zutphen, a Nova Scotia business leader and president of Zutphen Contractors, has been identified as the pilot who died in a helicopter crash in New Brunswick on Saturday.
He was 40 years old and was known in his community as an energetic entrepreneur with strong ties to both construction work and local outdoor recreation groups.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Robinson R44 helicopter operated under Veezee Aviation. The helicopter was traveling between Fredericton and Sussex when it failed to arrive at its destination.
When contact was lost, search teams began a coordinated operation involving air and ground crews. The wreckage was later discovered in a remote area northwest of Sussex during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The pilot was found inside the aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has taken over the investigation. Officials have not indicated that criminal activity played any role in the incident.
Investigators have been examining the crash site to determine what caused the helicopter to go down, with early focus placed on flight conditions and operational factors. The aircraft had only one person on board at the time of the flight.
Van Zutphen was the president of Zutphen Contractors, a family-owned company based in Mabou that has operated since the mid nineteen sixties.
He represented the second generation of leadership within the business, working alongside his siblings to continue the company’s long-standing presence in the region. Under his direction, the company maintained involvement in construction projects across Nova Scotia and remained active in local community development efforts.
Beyond his business work, Van Zutphen was closely connected to the off-road riding community in Cape Breton.
Friends and colleagues described him as someone who supported recreational activities in the region, even though he was not personally a dirt bike rider.
His family and company were known for supporting land access used for riding events, including a popular riding park near Judique.
These contributions allowed riders and families from across the province to gather for events and competitions, strengthening community ties over many years.
Those who knew him also described his enthusiasm for aviation. According to friends, he had recently begun training as a helicopter pilot and was deeply interested in learning to fly.
Conversations with him often included discussions about flying, upcoming projects, and community events. His passion for aviation was still in its early stages, making his sudden death especially difficult for those close to him.
One friend, who also works as a pilot, shared that Van Zutphen had approached flying with excitement and curiosity, enjoying discussions about training and aircraft operations.
He was remembered as someone who brought energy into conversations and maintained strong friendships across different parts of the province.
The news of his death has led to an outpouring of grief in Cape Breton and beyond. Members of the off-road riding community, business associates, and friends have expressed shock at the sudden loss.
Many noted his family’s long involvement in local initiatives and the impact they have had in supporting recreational and community spaces.
As investigators continue their work, family members and community residents are left mourning a man who balanced business leadership with a growing passion for aviation and a strong commitment to local life.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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