Family of Canadian CEO Killed in Helicopter Crash Files $50 Million Lawsuit

The tragic death of Stéphane Roy, the CEO of Savoura, and his teenage son Justin Roy Séguin in a helicopter crash in July 2019 has left a deep void in the family and the community. The family's grief has now turned into a legal battle as they seek justice and accountability for the deaths. The estate of Stéphane Roy has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Robinson Helicopter Company, the manufacturer of the R44 helicopter that crashed, claiming negligence and wrongful death.

The lawsuit, initially filed in California in July 2021, was moved to Quebec Superior Court in January 2025. The estate is seeking $25 million in compensatory damages and another $25 million in punitive damages. The family is determined to uncover the complete truth behind the deaths and hold Robinson Helicopter Company accountable for what they believe was a preventable tragedy.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigated the crash and issued a report in March 2021 that found the failure of a main rotor blade was a key factor in the crash. However, Robinson Helicopter Company has contested these findings, alleging that the TSB ignored evidence of carburetor icing as a contributing factor. The company has stated that it is committed to preventing future accidents with similar circumstances and has called for a full re-evaluation of the evidence.

The lawsuit has the potential to impact Robinson Helicopter Company's stock performance and investor confidence. The company's president and CEO, David Smith, has stated that the company takes all accidents very seriously and is committed to making sure that future accidents with similar circumstances are prevented. However, the lawsuit could also damage the company's reputation and lead to increased scrutiny from regulators and other stakeholders.

The potential long-term financial implications for Robinson Helicopter Company if they are found liable for the crash could be significant. The financial burden of a $50 million lawsuit could strain the company's resources, potentially impacting its ability to invest in research and development, improve safety features, or expand its market reach. The company's market position could also be affected, as customers and stakeholders may lose trust in the company's safety standards and management practices.

In response to these challenges, Robinson Helicopter Company might need to adopt new business strategies. The company could focus on enhancing safety features and implementing stricter quality control measures to prevent future accidents. This could involve investing in advanced technologies and training programs for their employees. Additionally, the company might need to engage in more transparent communication with customers and stakeholders to rebuild trust and maintain its market position.

The family of Stéphane Roy is determined to get to the truth and hold Robinson Helicopter Company accountable for what they believe was a preventable tragedy. The lawsuit is a testament to their resolve and their commitment to preventing future tragedies. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for Robinson Helicopter Company and the aviation industry as a whole.



The family's fight for justice is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the aviation industry. The lawsuit is a call for action to prevent future tragedies and to hold companies accountable for their actions. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for Robinson Helicopter Company and the aviation industry as a whole. The family's determination to get to the truth and hold the company accountable is a testament to their resolve and their commitment to preventing future tragedies. The lawsuit is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the aviation industry and a call for action to prevent future tragedies and to hold companies accountable for their actions.