A close friend of a pilot who was killed in the Australian Gold Coast helicopter crash on Monday has revealed the final heartbreaking text he sent just minutes after the tragedy.
Ash Jenkinson, 40, was in control of the Sea World helicopter when it collided with another chopper and is described as a British ‘top gun’ pilot and all-round ‘top guy.
The new dad, who is originally from Birmingham in the UK, was described as a "top guy, top gun, and the best dad" to his 17-month-old son Kaiden, according to Birmingham Live.
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Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57 respectively, and their relative Vanessa Tadros, 36, were also killed in the tragedy.
A 10-year-old boy remains in critical condition, while a 33-year-old woman and a nine-year-old girl suffered serious injuries.
Mr. Jenkinson's friend, Ritchie Gregg, has since described the pilot as "a top guy, top gun, and the best dad".
He told the Daily Mail that the little boy "would probably be asking where dad is”..
After hearing news of the tragedy on social media, he texted Mr. Jenkinson saying "hope that wasn't you?" - but never got a reply.
Mr. Gregg said the pilot's wife Kosha is "silent" and "in shock", and said: "When he and Kosha had their son he was the most excited dad".
He said family was the "biggest thing" for his friend, stating: "Ash had the biggest heart and was the happiest guy. When he'd finished work flying he'd be straight home to see his boy”.
Another close friend, Andy Taylor said: "I saw it come up on a post on social media. I tried to ring Ash straight away. At first, the phone was dead and then went to voicemail”.
"He did a lot of charity work, we did the floods down in Ballina and saved a lot of people," Mr Taylor told Sunrise on Tuesday.
"He is the best of the best. I don't know what else to say."
Friend Kristy Frost wrote: "Trying to put into words how much of an impact Ash Jenkinson has had on my life and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him is almost impossible.
"Ash was the most kind-hearted and selfless man to walk the earth. The love he had for his beautiful family and friends was certainly one of a kind and this extended to anyone who would cross his path.
"I had the privilege of living with Ash for many years on the coast and became one of the bestest friends I ever had. His heart was bigger than anyone else’s and I will cherish those fun filled years forever."
The post continued: "Wherever you may be now, I hope you know how very loved you are, how much of an impact you had on anyone in your presence, and how proud I was to have a friend like you.
"You are truly one of a kind and if there were more of you on this earth, it would be a much better place. Your fun-loving, adventurous soul will be so dearly missed forever.
"I promise to always talk about you, to keep Kosh and Kayden held tightly and to make sure Kayden knows his Daddy was a real-life hero [...].
"Kosh, you were his soul mate. What you two have created together is a life most people would dream of. You made him the happiest man and most importantly an amazing Daddy to your beautiful little man. My heart aches for you both. I’m just so sorry.
"Fly high darling boy."
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