Canadian Director John Driftmier Dies in Plane Crash

TORONTO – Canadian TV director/DOP John Driftmier, known for filming documentary series from the Amazon to the Arctic, has died following a plane accident on the weekend while on a location shoot. He was 30 years old.

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Driftmier was shooting aerial footage for the Discovery Canada documentary series Dangerous Flights when his small plane crashed, killing him and his pilot, according to Montreal indie producer Pixcom.

Pixcom CEO Jacquelin Bouchard, expressing her shock and sadness, in a statement said Driftmier "was an incredibly talented director and cameraman, and a wonderful friend."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this very sad time," she added, as the Ottawa-based cameraman leaves behind a wife and parents.

Dangerous Flights, now in its second season, follows pilots who deliver small, private planes around the world.

The series is produced by Pixcom for Discovery in Canada, and had Driftmier traveling around the world for location shooting.

His numerous credits include several Discovery series, including Highway Thru Hell and Licence to Drill.