Wilson, 34, was killed when the Robinson R44 helicopter the father-of-two was harnessed to crashed during a crocodile egg-collecting mission in Arnhem Land in February 2021.
To mark the anniversary of the accident, his wife, Danielle Wilson, opened up about her ongoing grief in a heart-wrenching statement reflecting on the months since her husband’s death.
“The past year has been the longest and shortest of our lives. Time has stood still, yet we have blinked and a year has gone by without our greatest love,” she said.
“It has been the worst, toughest and most traumatising year. Life without you is not the same and the world is a lesser place without you in it.
“Today, there remain more questions than answers in relation to your horrific death. It pains me that without answers we are no closer to closure.
“I used to think that things happened for a reason. But in this instance, it simply can’t be true.
“We should be living our life as a family, where our children grow up with their father who is the best dad that any child could ever hope for.”
Wilson’s best friend and co-star, Matt Wright, is one of three men charged in relation to the crash.
Wright also posted an online tribute to mark the anniversary featuring a video and caption in which the 43-year-old remembered Wilson as “a true legend that lifted the energy wherever he was”.
“We miss our mate more than anything and his memory will live on through all of us,” he said.
“Willow will go down in the history books as one of Australia’s truest legends.
“Love ya brother it’s only time and will see each other again.”
The tribute comes just days before Wright’s case is due to return to Darwin Local Court next week.
Wright is facing seven charges over what prosecutors say was an attempt to derail the police investigation into the fatal crash.
He is yet to enter a plea although his lawyer has previously indicated he would fight the allegations against him.
While attention swirls around the ongoing court case, those closest to Wilson continue to ensure his memory isn’t overshadowed.
At the end of last year, Northern Australia Civil brought one of Wilson’s projects to life when they purchased a new grader in honour of the Starlight Foundation.
The company, where Wilson acted as managing director, has pledged an annual donation to the charity for the life of the machine.
“Not a day goes by where he is not missed by everyone in the NAC family. NAC continues to strive to achieve his dreams in his honour,” a company spokesperson told 9News.
