On 17 November 2021, Kate Boakes, instructed by Sarah Stewart of Stewarts, represented three bereaved families at an inquest into the tragic deaths of five British tourists following a helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon in February 2018.

The Senior Coroner for West Sussex concluded that each of the deaths was caused by the post-crash fire, rather than the force of the impact. Having heard expert evidence, she stated that she would make a prevention of future deaths report, recommending to the Civil Aviation Authority that all helicopters flying in the UK should be fitted with a crash resistant fuel system to increase the safety of passengers.

Media coverage: BBC | The Times