Lieutenant Donald Wellman was killed in a helicopter crash on October 10, 1991. A 408 "Goose" Tactical Helicopter Squadron, CH-135 Twin Huey (tail number 115) from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Namao (Edmonton), crashed 10 miles west of Burk's Falls. Although there were two survivors, both of whom were thrown clear of the crash, Lieutenant Wellman did not survive. A plaque was added to the memorial at the crash site by the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team from CFB North Bay in 2005. The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence received this piece in 2015 and it is currently in storage.
Through the combined efforts of the North Bay air base, CFB 22 Wing, and the Vic Fell Memorial Legion Royal Canadian Legion Branch 405 in Burk’s a memorial stone was made out of granite rock commemorating Wellman’s death. The 22 Wing created the plaque, while Burk’s Falls legion supplied the stone. Originally to be placed where the helicopter went down, due to land permission it was moved the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defense in North Bay. The handing over ceremony was held at Burk’s Falls legion on January 18, 2015.