'Beautiful' pilot identified after horrific helicopter crash kills four
Disturbing video has emerged of moments before the 'devastating' crash near the Gold Coast's Sea World theme park.
Tributes have poured in for a pilot killed alongside three others when two helicopters collided near Sea World on the Gold Coast.
Pilot and father Ashley Jenkinson, 40, has been remembered as an "amazing human" by friends in the wake of the tragedy that unfolded in front of scores of stunned bystanders on Monday afternoon.
Disturbing video has also emerged of the moments prior to the fatal crash, showing one of the helicopters taking off seconds before colliding with another that is understood to have been trying to land.
"Is he going to crash?" a child can be heard saying off camera as the helicopters head towards each other.
One of the helicopters managed to land after the collision, however Mr Jenkinson's aircraft careened upside down into a sand bank. Three of his passengers, aged 36, 57 and 65, were killed while three, a woman and two children, were critically injured.
The woman, 33, was a mother of one of the boys, aged 9 and 10, Queensland Police said on Tuesday.
Two of the victims are British nationals, while the fourth is from NSW.
Tributes pour in for 'legend of a bloke'
Friends were quick to react to the devastating news of his death, flooding his Facebook page with tributes.
"An amazing pilot. Always so kind, helpful, and supportive. A true gentlemen, and always willing to lend a hand. My heart goes out to his family. He will be sorely missed," a former colleague said of the Sea World Helicopters chief pilot.
"I’m so so sorry, my heart is breaking for you and the rest of the family. Ash will be missed by so many. He was such a beautiful and kind soul," another wrote.
"You are definitely going to be missed you absolute legend of a bloke," one person said.
A photo was shared online of Mr Jenkinson standing by a helicopter filled with food and supplies after recently working to help flood victims in NSW.
The popular Gold Coast theme park was rocked by the tragedy, with officials expressing shock and their deepest sympathies in a statement.
"We and the entire flying community are devastated by what has happened and our sincere condolences go to all those involved and especially the loved ones and family of the deceased," a spokesperson for Sea World Helicopters said.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation into the fatal mid-air collision has begun.
Police praised the actions of bystanders who attempted to remove those inside the upside down helicopter.
Several people were also injured from shards of glass after the windscreen shattered on the helicopter that managed to land.
Albanese offers deepest sympathies
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk offered her condolences to all involved.
"My deepest sympathies are with each of the families and everyone affected by this terrible accident," she tweeted.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was shocked by the terrible and tragic incident on the Gold Coast.
"My thoughts are with all those affected, including first responders, and my deepest sympathies are with those who are grieving," he tweeted.
with AAP
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