Families of the four Australian defence force members who died in a training accident in Queensland have spoken of their “unbearable grief” while offering heartfelt tributes.
Lt Maxwell Nugent achieved his dream of becoming an army officer “through stubborn grit, resilience and a wicked sense of humour”, his family said in one of four statements published by the Department of Defence.
Capt Danniel Lyon, a devoted father of two, was remembered for a smile that “could brighten even the darkest days”. His family added: “His light shone so brightly we cannot imagine a world without it.”
Nugent, Lyon, Cpl Alexander Naggs and WO Class Two Joseph Phillip Laycock were on the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter that crashed off Hamilton Island during a training incident on Friday night.
The Australian government said on Monday that hopes of finding the four men alive had been lost, and promised to ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the “catastrophic” incident.
Nugent’s family said the 24-year-old had “expressed his love for others through acts of service” and “gave great hugs to his mum and others by resting his chin on the top of their head”.
Nugent was remembered as a “a larrikin and stirrer” who was “happy to set himself up to be the butt of a joke” and was “his dad’s best mate”.
“On completion of training Max posted to 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville, which is where he met Chadine,” the Nugent family statement said.
“The two bonded over a love of dogs and dumplings. When he posted to Sydney with 173 Squadron at 6th Aviation Regiment, Chad moved down with him.
“They were planning a life together and hoped to get a dog, which they joked they would name ‘Dumpling’.”
Nugent’s technical skills were praised, with his family saying he loved flying and knew the Taipan helicopter “front to back, inside and out”.
Nugent, the statement said, “got to live his dream” but his loss “leaves an unbearable grief in our hearts”.
Lyon’s family described him as “a decorated pilot and highly respected troop commander” and a “beloved husband, devoted father of two and great mate.”
Lyon was born in Dubbo and joined the army in 2010, with a record that included deploying in support of the Whakaari/White Island operation in 2019.
Laycock’s parents said they were “immensely proud of the high esteem in which he was held by his mates and superiors”. His service included a deployment to Timor-Leste as part of the UN peacekeeping mission.
The statement said Laycock “had two loves in his life – his military career and his three boys” aged between seven and 11.
“Outside of his Army career, Phillip was a devoted father and enthusiastic mountain biker,” his parents said.
“He was an excellent cook, and prepared the family’s Christmas dinner on a number of occasions, with the same meticulous precision he brought to his work – he would shoo us out of the kitchen if we threatened to interfere.”
Naggs’ partner said he would “always remain a beloved partner, son, brother and friend”.
“Alex was a hard-working, generous and kind man who was always there for his mates,” his partner said.
“Alex was an inspiration to his family and those around him. We are heartbroken to lose him so soon.”
Defence also issued a statement offering its “deepest condolences to the families of the four soldiers”. It said such incidents were “deeply upsetting for all involved and this is felt across the Defence community”.
The statement said ongoing search operations had recovered a range of aircraft debris and located major sections of the fuselage, but had not yet located the crew members.
The chief of joint operations, Lt Gen Greg Bilton, said: “Our focus remains on bringing our people home to their families and supporting the Defence family through this difficult period.”
Bilton said hundreds of defence force personnel, aided by international militaries and civilian agencies including the Queensland police service, would continue the search.
The Queensland police service said it would prepare a report for the coroner.
Supt Graeme Paine said: “An exclusion zone remains in place in waters south of Hamilton Island, and there is also an exclusion zone of 1000 metres from any military vessel, until on-water operations cease.”
For support, contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
