The family of a Wānaka man who died after a ski helicopter accident in British Columbia, Canada on January 22 has confirmed his death.

Lewis Ainsworth (35) was one of seven people in the helicopter when it crashed.

The cause of the crash is unknown and it is the subject of an investigation being carried out by The Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said four of the helicopter’s occupants have died and three remain critically injured. 

Lewis was onboard the helicopter in his professional capacity as a heli-ski guide for Northern Escape Heli-Ski, his family said.

He was an experienced mountain guide who was president of the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association and he was internationally recognised for his expertise and skills in the mountains.

“Lewis is a highly respected member of the New Zealand and international mountaineering and skiing community,” his family said in a statement. 

“He is loved by many and will be dearly missed by all those who have been fortunate enough to know Lewis and have shared in his passion for being in the mountains.”

Lew is survived by his partner Sarah, his parents Marney Ainsworth and Joe Tonner, and his ten-year-old daughter.

His family “would like to thank all who have been involved in the search and rescue operation and medical care of Lewis over the past week”. 

PHOTO: Supplied