A helicopter crash in Alaska has tragically claimed the lives of a conservationist and the pilot, both of whom were conducting vital research work in the remote North Slope region.
Shiloh Schulte, a dedicated conservationist with Manomet Conservation Sciences, had traveled to Alaska to outfit shorebirds with recording devices.
He was accompanied by Jonathan Guibas, the pilot of the Robinson R66 helicopter, which went down on Wednesday, approximately 20 miles west of Deadhorse.
This incident occurred on the first day of Schulte’s bird study, an effort that highlights the region’s significance in the ongoing debate regarding environmental conservation and energy exploration.
The area has been at the center of controversy due to ConocoPhillips’ proposal for an extensive oil drilling project known as the Willow Project.
In an official statement, Manomet Conservation Sciences expressed their grief and honored Schulte’s commitment to preserving natural resources, saying, “Shiloh gave his life in the service of something greater than himself, dedicating himself to preserving the natural world for future generations.”
Schulte was slated to lead a crew studying the migratory routes of whimbrels, another shorebird, in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, utilizing satellite transmitters to track their movements.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that both Schulte and Guibas were pronounced dead at the crash site, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the incident, but Clint Johnson, chief of the NTSB’s regional office in Alaska, noted that the crash took place in a treeless and desolate area, devoid of significant landmarks.
“It’s in a very remote part of Alaska,” Johnson stated. “There’s nothing there. It’s treeless, barren, in the middle of no place.”
Schulte, whose conservation efforts date back to the American oystercatcher recovery program he coordinated since 2009, has demonstrated a passionate commitment to wildlife preservation.
His initiatives along the East Coast significantly contributed to boosting the American oystercatcher population by 45 percent, according to Manomet Conservation Sciences.
In a recent post on his Instagram page, Schulte shared photographs from Creamer’s Field, a wildlife refuge located in Fairbanks, Alaska, showcasing his dedication to documenting and observing local wildlife.
Despite the tragedy, Schulte’s legacy in conservation is profound.
His work has been pivotal in reversing the decline of several bird species, particularly the American oystercatcher, whose numbers had plummeted to fewer than 10,000 birds across the Americas by 2008 due to environmental threats.
Thanks to concerted conservation efforts, that population is now over 14,000, a testament to the successes achievable through dedication and commitment to wildlife preservation.
Earlier last week, Schulte and Guibas had received special clearance to take off in the helicopter at about 10:40 a.m. under visual flight rules, indicating the weather conditions were deemed appropriate for flying.
High-ranking members of the Trump administration, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, had recently visited the North Slope region to advocate for President Donald Trump’s agenda of expanding drilling activities in the Alaskan wilderness.
The crash’s impact shook the local community and conservation circles, prompting outreach and condolences from peers and wildlife authorities.
Following the crash, North Slope Borough Search and Rescue teams swiftly responded, retrieving the bodies of the two victims.
NTSB investigators have been dispatched to the site, which can only be accessed by helicopter, to begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The wreckage of the helicopter is expected to be transported to Deadhorse for further analysis, with plans for the recovery operation involving specialized equipment.
Schulte’s distinguished background includes earning a doctorate from North Carolina State University, where he researched American oystercatchers in the Outer Banks.
His academic journey also took him to the University of Vermont, leading him to a fulfilling career in wildlife biology.
In addition to his professional accolades, Schulte was also a competitive distance runner, recently completing the Boston Marathon in an impressive time of 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 50 seconds.
His achievements in both conservation and athletics highlight a life dedicated to excellence and service.
As the investigation continues, the legacy of Shiloh Schulte will endure through the birds and ecosystems he fought valiantly to protect.
image source from：https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/07/metro/helicopter-crash-kills-prominent-shorebird-scientist/
