UPDATE: A courageous young boy, Nicholas Tadros, has attended an inquest into the devastating helicopter crash that claimed his mother’s life and resulted in the amputation of his leg. The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, during a routine joy flight over the Gold Coast, tragically ending just 25 seconds after take-off.
Nicholas, who was just 10 years old at the time, boarded the helicopter with his mother, Vanessa Tadros, who was 36. Their flight collided with another Sea World helicopter, leading to one of Australia’s most horrific air disasters. Four people lost their lives, including the pilot, Ashley Jenkinson, and British newlyweds Ronald and Diane Hughes, both aged 65 and 67. Nine others were injured, with Nicholas initially in critical condition.
Today, Nicholas arrived at the Coroners Court in Brisbane for the first time to witness the proceedings. His father, Simon Tadros, who has attended daily since the inquest began last week, accompanied him. Nicholas now uses a prosthetic limb, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on his young life.
However, the inquest faced significant delays as key witnesses, including Sea World Helicopters CEO Brett Newman and director John Orr-Campbell, were scheduled to testify today. Their testimony has been postponed to February 2026 due to the emergence of nearly 5,000 pages of new material since the inquest commenced. The company’s barrister, Michael Trim, argued that the executives deserve adequate time to prepare, stating, “They should be entitled to a fair and proper opportunity to consider evidence.”
In contrast, counsel assisting the coroner, Ian Harvey, opposed this delay, emphasizing that much of the relevant material had been available for months. “The families of the four deceased persons have been waiting patiently for these proceedings,” Coroner Carol Lee remarked, stressing the importance of concluding the inquest without unnecessary delays.
Coroner Lee ultimately rejected the application for delay, labeling it “not necessary” and “costly to the taxpayer.” She noted that Sea World Helicopters had ample time to prepare and respond to criticisms from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau report.
Witnesses, including one who traveled from the UK, are expected to testify next week as the inquest enters its final days. The families and the community are left grappling with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, as they seek answers and justice for their loved ones.
As the inquest progresses, it remains crucial for the community to stay informed about the developments. The tragic story of Nicholas and his family serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of aviation safety and the importance of accountability.
