A British couple from Cheshire have been identified as two of the four victims killed in a mid-air helicopter collision on Australia's Gold Coast. Diane Hughes, 57, and her husband Ron, 65, from Neston, were on holiday when their ascending helicopter was struck by another aircraft's rotor blade on Monday.
Queensland Police confirmed the couple, who married last year, died alongside pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, and passenger Vanessa Tadros, 36. Mr Jenkinson, originally from Birmingham, was described by a friend as a 'silent hero and gentle giant' who would have done everything to land safely.
The crash occurred near Sea World resort, about 80km south-east of Brisbane, when one helicopter was taking off from a sandbar and the other landing. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the ascending helicopter's main rotor blade struck the cockpit of the other aircraft less than 20 seconds after takeoff.
Five of six people on the landing helicopter suffered minor injuries, while three others—including two children—were critically injured. The pilot of the second aircraft was praised for a 'remarkable achievement' in landing upright despite damage to the cockpit.
In a statement, Mr Hughes' daughter Jane Manns said: 'Our family is heartbroken and we are still trying to contact friends and family to let them know.' Mrs Hughes' brother Dave Boyce thanked supporters, adding: 'We are truly humbled at this heartbreaking time.'
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities conducting interviews and examining wreckage, footage, and other evidence. Both helicopters were operating tourist flights for Sea World, whose owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks expressed condolences.
