Chief executive of Guards Polo Club killed in helicopter crash
Charles Stisted, the chief executive of Guards Polo Club in Berkshire has died in a helicopter accident.
Charles was one of three people killed in the crash in the mountains of Mourne in Co Down on Saturday (23 October).
The pilot also died, as did Ian Wooldrige, a player and supporter of Guards.
Mr Stisted, 47, who was a former member of the Scots Guards, had worked at the Club at Smiths Lawn in Windsor Great Park since 1989.
A statement for Guards Polo Club read: “It is with great sadness the club’s chairman, colonel Paul Belcher has to inform you that Charles Stisted, the club’s highly regarded and much-loved chief executive was killed in a helicopter accident.
“He will be much missed by everyone at Guards Polo Club and we send our love and deepest sympathy to his family — Melissa, Freddie and Allegra.
“Sadly we understand that Ian Wooldridge, a popular player and generous supporter of the club, was also killed in the same incident and our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife Tandy, their children Rhett and Charlie.”
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The men had been on a shooting trip in Northern Ireland when their helicopter crashed on the journey home, at around 4pm.
Mr Stisted was also a friend of the Royal Family.
A spokesman for Clarence House said: “The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry are all shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy.
“Their Royal Highnesses’ thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed at this dreadful time.”
The incident is being investigated by the air accidents investigation branch of the Department of Transport.
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