Injured Snowbirds pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall made a brief appearance in public on Thursday night outside Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

It was his first appearance since the crash on Sunday that killed public affairs officer, Capt. Jenn Casey, while sending MacDougall to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. His appearance came on the same day that the Kamloops branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held a tribute ceremony to the Snowbirds.

MacDougall, in a wheel-chair, came out to watch a drum circle organized by members of the Secwepemc Child and Family Services Drumming Group. The started playing outside the hospital around 6 p.m., and he later mingled some of the crowd that had gathered outside RIH.

Up to this point there had been little information about MacDougall’s condition following the crash. His mother previously said that he is expected to recover, and last night, he appeared to be in good spirits while outside the hospital.

“Capt. MacDougall’s appearance yesterday evening was unexpected and we were honoured that he came down to take in the energy and well wishes of the drum circle,” Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Alexandra Hejduk, told NL News.

“He needs to focus in getting better, as well as needing the space to mourn his friend and colleague. We respect that privacy.”

Investigators are looking into the cause of the crash, but it could take up to a year. A quick snapshot is expected to be released sometime next month.

“Thank you to our Indigenous brothers, sisters and elders for this sentimental tribute to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds,” a statement from the RIH Foundation read.

(Photo via RIH Foundation)