Vincent Van Zutphen, a respected businessman and adventurous spirit from Mabou, Nova Scotia, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in New Brunswick on Saturday. Van Zutphen, the president of Zutphen Contractors, was a well-known figure in both the construction industry and the local dirt biking community, where his passion for life and love of adventure left a lasting impression on friends, colleagues, and community members alike.
The accident occurred while Van Zutphen was piloting a commercially registered Robinson R-44 helicopter operated by Veezee Aviation, of which he was president and sole director. He was traveling alone from Fredericton International Airport to Sussex, N.B., when the aircraft failed to arrive as expected. Search and rescue operations, conducted by the RCMP in New Brunswick and the military’s Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax, scoured the area by air and on the ground. Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, local firefighters discovered the helicopter cabin and the pilot. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, Van Zutphen was declared deceased at the scene. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has since taken over the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the crash does not appear to involve any criminal activity.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Van Zutphen was known for his dedication to his family and his community. Zutphen Contractors, founded in 1964, has been a family-run enterprise for multiple generations, with Vincent and his siblings representing the second generation of ownership. He was deeply connected to the local dirt biking scene and generously supported the Nova Scotia Off Road Riders Association for over 15 years. The Van Zutphen family donated land for the Craigmore Ride Park in Cape Breton, creating a place for riders and their families to gather for training, races, and community events.
Josh Kelly, a longtime friend and past president of the Nova Scotia Off Road Riders Association, described Van Zutphen as “a passionate lover of life and definitely an adventurous spirit.” Kelly recalled Van Zutphen’s excitement as he trained to become a helicopter pilot, a pursuit he embraced with enthusiasm and dedication.
“The loss of Vincent is felt deeply across the community,” Kelly said. “He brought people together, supported everyone around him, and will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and love for adventure. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him.”
Vincent Van Zutphen’s sudden passing leaves a void in the lives of his family, colleagues, and community members. His legacy as a leader, supporter, and adventurer will long be remembered in Mabou, Cape Breton, and beyond.