Friends Pay Tribute to Pilot & Photographer Peter Bello who Lost his Life in Bristow Helicopter Crash

26-year-old Peter Bello was a co-pilot of the helicopter that crashed in the Oworo/Oko Cole area of Third Mainland Bridge on Wednesday afternoon – August 14, 2015. Initial eye-witness reports stated the helicopter burst into flames before crashing into the water. Witnesses called for rescue support as soon as possible.

Out of the 12-seater helicopter, six passengers were rescued alive, while four were found dead that night, and the two pilots’ bodies were found on Thursday morning, according to Premium Times.

The Nigerian co-pilot and photographer, Peter, (his co-pilot was an American, Joseph Wyatt), most recently, took photos of Ebuka Obi-Uchendu & Cynthia‘s engagement dinner – and shared on his professional Instagram page. Heartfelt tributes for the popular young professional have been pouring in from his shocked friends and industry counterparts.

May the souls of all the departed Rest In Peace.

Tributes

Olamide Adedeji
This video was taken barely 24 hours before the crash.

Still can’t believe this. This was just 24 hours ago. No way Peter! This isn’t happening.

A video posted by OLAMIDE ‘DEJI ADEDEJI (@lamidelagos) on Aug 13, 2015 at 2:14am PDT

Don’t even know what to say. Been crying. Been blurting out your name randomly. Been texting and calling your number. Been looking at your pictures. Why didn’t you give a sign?! Why didn’t you stay abit longer. This is too hard, Peter! Not you! Never thought of this! Your smile, laughter, persistence and push. I’m soooo sorry Peter! I love you! I can’t see the silver lining. I don’t know why this happened. I wish I was always there for you. Wish I responded your texts earlier, wish I picked up your FaceTime videocalls more. Wish I returned your calls immediately. Wish we played tennis more. This is so unfair Peter! You were the best! Almost without blemish. Great heart, almost like an angel. Heaven sent. I can’t stop crying. The pain is right there, hitting every nerve. Can’t work, can’t think, can’t function, all I see is your face. God, help. You were kind to many people too, everyone has the same story about you Peter. You were always bearing gifts; you’ve never been to my house without a gift. If you’ve been hear 50 times, then you’ll have been here with 50 gifts. I remember when we started cycling; you were so eager. I remember you saying I should come to Nevada with you on your last trip to Vegas, but work wouldn’t let me because I said there’ll always be more trips Peter! I remember when you were studying in London and how you’ll randomly send me pictures of things you were up to. So many awesome moments and times with you. I’m so sad, I don’t know why this terrible thing happened to a rare gem like you. I’ll tease you and you’ll humbly play along. I told you that I wanted a dog, that you should let me know if anyone was selling; next thing you showed up at my door with a puppy. You were always there, always ready to help and provide solutions. Smart kid! I miss you already and I loved you Peter, I love you Peter and I’ll always love you more Peter.

A photo posted by OLAMIDE ‘DEJI ADEDEJI (@lamidelagos) on Aug 14, 2015 at 5:21am PDT

Dotun Kayode

How in the world would someone ever say “you won’t see Peter anymore” .. Guys, this was an absolute great guy with a pure heart. If anyone would ask me to pick one guy with a great heart, I’ll honestly pick Peter. Oh my World! Peter you touched our lives with the best pictures you took of us even as you had the magic hands of a pilot. We hung out many times that I learnt a lot from your meekness. I pray for it everyday & you had urs on a platter of Gold. Not you.. Not you.. God sends a reason & I received it. You can’t be amongst we liars, cheats, thieves & haters. You are Rare!!! Rest in peace PETER BELLO   A photo posted by Do2dtun ® (@do2dtun) on Aug 13, 2015 at 6:12am PDT

I’ll miss you bro .. His heart was pure #peterbello farewell A photo posted by Do2dtun ® (@do2dtun) on Aug 13, 2015 at 11:07am PDT

Sharon Ojong

I can’t even believe this. I really can’t. Still in shock. How long have I known you? You always had something encouraging to say to me every time we saw, even though you always shied away from my camera. Oh Gosh! You were such a great guy whose humility is beyond this world. I guess that’s why He wants you with Him. Keep being an angel @pjkruel – now written with the stars. My heart goes out to your family and the family of those who lost their loved ones in the crash A photo posted by Sharon Ojong (@sharonojong) on Aug 13, 2015 at 6:41am PDT

Kemi Adetiba

RIP Peter Bello. Didn’t know him personally but remember he came up to me one day to say hello.Said he was Noble’s friend. I noticed (contd)

— Kemi Adetiba (@kemiadetiba) August 13, 2015

… he was strikingly handsome. Such a shame. RIP everyone who died in the crash. God comfort their families. sigh — Kemi Adetiba (@kemiadetiba) August 13, 2015

Noble Igwe

 

“Those we Love remain with us, for Love itself lives on. Cherished memories never fade, because a loved one is gone. Those we Love can never be, more than a thought apart. For as long as there is a memory, they’ll live on in our heart” Peter, only gave and never asked for nothing in return. Wednesday August 12,2015.

 

A photo posted by Noble Igwe (@noble_igwe) on Aug 14, 2015 at 12:49am PDT

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

I’m sorry but how is this my last conversation with you @pjkruel? How? Kayode how??? A photo posted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@okija) on Aug 14, 2015 at 12:36am PDT

Demi Olubanwo

 

I’ve tried putting off posting this because it’ll mean that I’ve accepted that you’re gone and since we met I never for once imagined a world without you in it I keep wishing that we could go back to that last conversation at 1.30 and I could convince you to stay put I keep wishing that I didn’t put off seeing you on Tuesday and postponing till Wednesday I keep wishing that I had gone to carnival when you asked me to I keep wishing I had picked up the phone when you wanted to come visit on Monday I remember you making me promise you that I was going to get fit during my year in London I remember you checking on me after every audition, good and bad I remember asking you to take photos of my house from “space” on Monday I remember your migraine skank dance and how you made fun of me for being such a Yankee boy for not getting it I remember how much crap I gave you because you were going to miss my send-off because of your sister’s wedding and how you promised to make it up to me by coming back early for my dinner And how much crap I gave you at #wade2015 for changing outfits while we were shooting I remember how I kept saying that when I got my helicopter and helipad you were going to manage it for me and how you were going to be my flight instructor And I remember that sinking feeling when your phone wouldn’t go through no matter how many times I called over and over again My dear Peter we didn’t deserve you and you didn’t deserve this, can’t imagine how one person could make so many people feel so special and ask for nothing in return… My dear Peter, you’ve earned your wings and you get to fly forever now and knowing you, you’ll get some amazing pictures while you’re up there… I keep calling your phone and hoping against hope that you’ll pick up and we’ll have a laugh about all this… The small comfort I get from calling your US number and hearing your voice on your voicemail… Can’t wait to see you again brother, we’ll have so much catching up to do… They say God has a plan but this one I don’t understand, this one I can’t accept…. I pray that you had the chance to make your peace with Him… Rest well brother, you’re okay now…

 

A photo posted by Vinny Chase (@thatdudedemi) on Aug 14, 2015 at 12:56am PDT

Chef Fregz

Dear God, I can only thank You for the privilege to call this man friend. Please just let him know I loved him so much and wished I had shown it more. Pls comfort his parents and sisters at this point. Peter thank you for caring. I miss and Love you Bro. Thank you for always calling to just find out how I am. Dear God keep him Pls. .. Thank you. #RIP @pjkruel P.S Thanks to everyone that has reached out. God bless you. Let’s sincerely pray for his family at this time. A photo posted by Gbubemi Fregene (@chef_fregz) on Aug 13, 2015 at 11:49am PDT

Chef Eros

 

I’m still in shock. Is it really possible that he no more? Someone please pinch me and wake me up from the bad dream!!! Peter. A dear friend… I don’t even know where to start. This guy knew how to push me. He ordered more cakes than any friend of mine and everyone had to be something I had never done before. A lot of the new things you see on my Instagram is thanks to him. From the Oreo Mayhem down to the that white chocolate dripped chocolate cake with chocolate dipped strawberries and all… He was particular and very difficult to please… I loved that! I’m even more dazed because I’m meant to be having dinner with this same guy right now to make up for a text error on his last birthday cake. He came by the store on Tuesday but I was too busy to sit with him (now I wish I had made the time) I am going to miss you dearly! And I am going to remember you forever. In fact, I am going finish up the work of art (cake) we were in the middle of creating and call it the Bello. As much as that doesn’t bring you back, it’s the one way I thank you for all the support, the kind words and the advise. Now I’m remembering how you pushed me to move my business out of 1004 and when it finally happened, the smile on your face was Epic! I’m still praying for some sort of miracle to bring you back but I do know one thing, God knows best. Dear Lord, please tell Peter I Love him and miss him already! #gonetoosoon

 

A photo posted by Tolu Eros (@cheferos) on Aug 13, 2015 at 1:09pm PDT

Captain Kehinde ‘Black’

Its been a difficult 24hours for a lot of us. It has really got me thinking and its times like these that shapen my perspective regarding commitment, dedication and pride for my job. I have self questioned my reasons for choosing this path and the common response will be for the money, attention, respect. But for me; i’ll say its for the LOVE. It’s love that gets me to work. It’s the love of flight that has turned friends to family. Yesterday a brother was lost to LOVE. @pjkruel i’ll never understand why but we trust God to continue to LOVE you just as u loved the world enough to share your dreams. You will be missed and your dreams live with the #helicopterfamily. May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. Amen. #fortheloveofflight #helicopterpilots #PjKruel #peterbelloforever #peterbello A photo posted by Mr. Black (@captkblack) on Aug 13, 2015 at 12:28pm PDT

Makida Moka

I’m still waiting for a reply. I’m glad that we actually bumped into each other and I gave you a hug. You loved to fly, Now you get to live in the sky. Rest well Peter Bello. A photo posted by Makida Moka (@themakidamoka) on Aug 14, 2015 at 4:49am PDT

Woke up this morning and yesterday wasn’t a just a bad dream. I searched for hours for that dope photo u sent me of both of us tearing up the dance floor at Sese’s wedding and couldn’t find it. Almost bbm’d you to send it to me again…. This is how I’ll remember you always. That and all the conversations where we gingered each other’s adrenaline ajala ways. Till we meet again Pirro, say hi to the Big Guy for me. ?? A photo posted by Rosemary Okoli (@roryyyyyyyyyy) on Aug 14, 2015 at 4:41am PDT

Every time I manage to fall asleep. I wake up hoping someone has commented asking me to take down my previous post because your well. Everyone I’ve spoken to today have told me how it will get better with time. The pain will pass. It hasn’t! With every passing minute, I am confronted with the sad reality I cannot accept! I remember when I took picture of you in May. You were in London and dropped by to see your dads opticians. I came down to meet you at the station. You and your suitcases. We suffered that day?You were so warm and nice to everyone there and I can never forget the smile on your face when you said you were a pilot. It was this very happy content smile that I don’t have when I say I’m a tax adviser. I kept trying to convince you to bring out your camera and take a portrait of me. As per big time photog. You were like no it’s deep in the suitcase bla bla. When you finally brought the camera out, you went from not wanting to take pictures to clicking away and saying look here look there in few seconds. We turned the opticians store into a studio! And I kept saying i wanted the almighty ‘Peter Bello’ watermark on the images. I never saw those photos Peter. I didn’t ask because I thought there’s always gonna be time. Once we spoke and you mentioned how you wanted to adopt even when you had your kids in future. I couldn’t believe anyone could be that thoughtful. But that was you Peter. Always thinking of everyone else! I have not been able to have a meal since @thatdudedemi broke the news to me on Wednesday night. You should have heard him growling Peter. He kept shouting we need to pray. Peter we hoped against hope that you will come home. I tried to convince @peterozzy1 earlier today that there had been a mixup maybe there were 13 people and you’re still somewhere. Who will laugh at my head or say my nose will inhale them on Skype If I feel this much pain, I don’t want to imagine what your folks must be feeling. We have to keep your memory alive! You were so different and I will miss you forever #PeterBello #PeterLives #PB A photo posted by Fiyin_Faajs (@fiyin_faajs) on Aug 13, 2015 at 5:24pm PDT

 

Peter! I would never be able to write your name and those three words in one sentence. I woke up thinking I was strong, went in to work and couldn’t stop the tears till my manager asked me to leave! My PB! Baddest photographer of life! I remember the night we started the IG photography page. You kept saying you wouldn’t have time. Mr pilot! I created the page and then you’d send me photos to post. I remember how excited you were when you started getting a hang of the page and hashtags and started posting yourself. When I started the GI website you went through the drafts with me. Even offered to help me pay for part of it, in exchange for a part of the business lol. We were still together in London few months ago and never in my life did I think this would happen. Peter why didn’t you call in sick. Why weren’t you on holiday yesterday. Why did it go down! I wish I picked your FaceTime and replied your messages the other day. But I thought there was time. Why Peter! You loved the skies so much. We never got to do that GI x PB collabo. You never sent my pictures. What happens now. Peter what. Why! I kept hoping you were just on an island with no phone waiting to be phone. My man Kayode, it is well! ? #PeterBello #PeterBelloForever #PBForever

 

A photo posted by Fiyin_Faajs (@fiyin_faajs) on Aug 13, 2015 at 4:28am PDT

Don’t even know what to say. Been crying. Been blurting out your name randomly. Been texting and calling your number. Been looking at your pictures. Why didn’t you give a sign?! Why didn’t you stay abit longer. This is too hard, Peter! Not you! Never thought of this! Your smile, laughter, persistence and push. I’m soooo sorry Peter! I love you! I can’t see the silver lining. I don’t know why this happened. I wish I was always there for you. Wish I responded your texts earlier, wish I picked up your FaceTime videocalls more. Wish I returned your calls immediately. Wish we played tennis more. This is so unfair Peter! You were the best! Almost without blemish. Great heart, almost like an angel. Heaven sent. I can’t stop crying. The pain is right there, hitting every nerve. Can’t work, can’t think, can’t function, all I see is your face. God, help. You were kind to many people too, everyone has the same story about you Peter. You were always bearing gifts; you’ve never been to my house without a gift. If you’ve been hear 50 times, then you’ll have been here with 50 gifts. I remember when we started cycling; you were so eager. I remember you saying I should come to Nevada with you on your last trip to Vegas, but work wouldn’t let me because I said there’ll always be more trips Peter! I remember when you were studying in London and how you’ll randomly send me pictures of things you were up to. So many awesome moments and times with you. I’m so sad, I don’t know why this terrible thing happened to a rare gem like you. I’ll tease you and you’ll humbly play along. I told you that I wanted a dog, that you should let me know if anyone was selling; next thing you showed up at my door with a puppy. You were always there, always ready to help and provide solutions. Smart kid! I miss you already and I loved you Peter, I love you Peter and I’ll always love you more Peter.

A photo posted by OLAMIDE ‘DEJI ADEDEJI (@lamidelagos) on Aug 14, 2015 at 5:21am PDT

Denied this for these last few days but I finally broke in the early hours of today. . . #PjKrUeL I never told you you were mad awesome. I never knew you were mae awesome. Awesome right in front of us. You taught me a lot. You annoyed me a lot. You called me Tijani a lot. I guess I always took you for granted. Honestly I don’t feel worthy to have known you. I’m strong right now because you never saw me cry and you wouldn’t want me to be crying for any reason. 1989 – ?. . . When I do get better and go back to the gym, you better come down from heaven and support my bench press. 80kg upwards!!!

A photo posted by The Lawyartist (@tunji_o) on Aug 14, 2015 at 1:21am PDT

I am completely undone. I didn't even think I would be able to do this because I have not in anyway come to terms with reality but I have to try. Peter Kayode Bello, you were pretty much the 1st real friend I made when I moved back to Lagos. From then on, we spent almost everyday together, I would pick you up to take you work on my way to Law School and pick you up and bring you back home. We went to the cinema so much together they'd ask me about you if you weren't with me. Weekends I would follow you to shoots and gigs, or stay in on your couch bed and play with Nikki, Iserena and Johnson. We were polar opposites, me the introvert who wanted to stay in and read and you, who wanted to go out there and actually see and do everything. Truthfully, everyone thought I was in love with you, and in my own way I was but mostly I was utterly mesmerised by you. I have never met anybody with so much zeal for life, who was always determined to live for today. I just wanted to be a part of that. It was through you I was able to meet great people like @chef_fregz @utomisphere @orangecultureng @noble_igwe @okija to just name a few. You got on my every last nerve (you know you can annoy) but you always found a way to make me smile again. When things got rough for me, you were always there for me to turn to. I regret not coming to Calabar with you all the times you invited me, I regret pushing you away this year. I regret not baking you the cake i had promised you. I regret so much. But I know you held no grudges against me. After all we thought we had forever. You were the 1st person I made cake for and the 1st person that convinced me they were good enough to sell. I can't even begin to state how proud of you I am. You were living the dream you worked so hard for. You are awesome. I can't say goodbye, that wasn't our way. Hope we get to see another movie together someday, my love and my dear friend.

A photo posted by M & K (@ambrosiabaker) on Aug 14, 2015 at 2:25am PDT

When I made you Dammy's Godfather, it was so you could be there for her when I am not around. It wasn't supposed to be the other way round. How do I explain to her that you never kept your side of the bargain, how do I make her understand you really wanted to be there for her. U remember how excited u were when u said this is your first God daughter….. Do u remember this picture on her 1yr birthday? U were tired because u just flew in and u had to drive straight to the house cos u couldn't bear not being at your daughter's birthday….. U remember the wine u brought at her christening and u said we will be opening when she's 18…. ??? ? Who's gonna answer me now….. who's gonna answer Dammy's questions

A photo posted by @kolaoshalusi on Aug 14, 2015 at 2:27am PDT