Raising glass to Di a year on
Holiday of a lifetime turns to ‘hole that can’t be filled’ for family
The UK-based family of Sea World Helicopters collision victim Diane Hughes have spoken for the first time of their devastating on the one-year anniversary of her death.
Mrs Hughes and her husband Ron were among four people to die in the January 2, 2023, tragedy.
The couple, married for 18months, were just days into a long-delayed holiday, during which Mrs Hughes was to celebrate her 58th birthday.
Her children Sian Long and Lewis Ainsworth have spoken of their grief, saying their mother’s death was “a loss we all feel is indescribable”.
“We have been finding it hard to come to terms with the passing of our mum as there is a hole in our lives that can never be filled,” they said.
“She was truly loved by everyone who knew her and we will miss her forever.
“She was a beloved daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and most of all, our Mum and the loss we all feel is indescribable.”
January 2 marked one year since the tragic collision of the two tourist trip helicopters over the Broadwater in front of thousands of onlookers enjoying a Gold Coast summer day.
The pair of Sea World Helicopter craft collided just before 2pm.
Mr and Mrs Hughes boarded their chopper alongside, Sydney’s Vanessa Tadros, her son Nicky, Winnie de Silva, her son Leon and pilot Ash Jenkinson who was at the controls.
Just 20 seconds after takeoff, their helicopter hit another Sea World Helicopter, piloted by Michael James, which was coming in to land.
The main rotor of Mr Jenkinson’s helicopter hit the front of the other vehicle’s fuselage, shattering the canopy and showering Mr James’ passengers and him with glass. The rotor sheared off in the collision, causing Mr Jenkinson’s crippled helicopter to plummet to the ground.
Ms de Silva, her son Leon and Nicky Tadros survived the crash. His mother Vanessa, Mr Jenkinson and the Hughes were all killed. Mr James, against all odds, landed his Airbus Eurocopter, saving the lives of his passengers.
Mrs Hughes’ children said their mother “lived for her family and with each big occasion that she is not here for, the absence of her presence feels greater and greater”.
Ms Long said her mother and husband had “lived for adventures and truly did live life to the full”.
“We still don’t understand how they had time to work as they were always on holidays or weekends away,” she said.
“If losing our mum and Ron has taught us anything it is to treat every day as if it’s your last and soak up every moment, as nothing is guaranteed in this life.
“One year ago our lives changed forever and this tragic loss will weigh heavy on all of our hearts forever.”
Ms Long said her family would “raise a glass” in honour of Mrs Hughes on Sunday, what would have been her 59th birthday.