The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tributes to UK family killed in seaplane crash
Sydney: St Andrews University graduate and his businessman dad among the dead
Tributes have been paid to a British family – including a high-profile businessman and his St Andrews University graduate son – after they were killed in a seaplane crash in Sydney on New Year’s Eve.
Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside Edward Cousins, 23, who had studied history at the Fife institution, his other son Will, 25, fiancée Emma Bowden, 48, and her daughter Heather, 11, while they were on holiday in Australia.
The group were on a return flight to Sydney’s Rose Bay, close to Sydney Harbour, when the aircraft apparently nose-dived into the Hawkesbury River off Jerusalem Bay, 25 miles north of Sydney city centre, at about 3.10pm (4.10am GMT) on Sunday.
A sixth person on board, Sydney Seaplanes pilot Gareth Morgan, 44, also died.
Friends and colleagues described Mr Cousins as “well known and respected” after he helped transform Compass’ fortunes upon becoming the ailing catering firm’s boss in 2006.
Compass chairman Paul Walsh said: “Richard was known and respected for his great humanity and a no-nonsense style that transformed Compass into one of Britain’s leading companies.”
A St Andrews University spokesman said: “Edward graduated with a degree in history last summer and had a bright future ahead of him. Everyone at the university who knew him will be shocked and saddened by this news.”