Family ‘heartbroken’ after Neston couple killed in helicopter crash

Ron, 65, and Diane Hughes, 57, from Neston, had reportedly been visiting his daughter and her family in Australia when the tragedy occurred.

In a statement to media Jane Manns said: “Our family is heartbroken and we are still trying to contact friends and family to let them know.

“Please respect our privacy at this devastating time.”

Ron was the founder of the shop, Concept Interiors, which was founded in February 1992 and is located on Neston High Street.

The British couple was killed alongside the pilot and another passenger – a 36-year-old woman from Glenmore Park, New South Wales – when their helicopter collided with another at around 2pm local time – 4am GMT – on Monday in Main Beach.

READ > Neston pays tribute to couple killed in Australian helicopter crash

Three other passengers, including two children, who were badly injured remain in hospital.

Two helicopters collided in the Australian tourist hotspot on Monday afternoon (CH9/AP) (Image: Two helicopters collided in the Australian tourist hotspot on Monday afternoon (CH9/AP))

According to the BBC, the helicopter pilot who died in the crash was originally from Birmingham but lived in the Gold Coast area.

A friend of 40-year-old Ashley Jenkinson told the broadcaster the pilot was a “silent hero and gentle giant” who “would have done everything to bring the helicopter down safely”.

Diane's brother, Dave Boyce, earlier wrote on Facebook: “For those who don’t know my sister and her husband were involved in the helicopter crash on the Gold Coast yesterday.

“We would also like to thank you all for the love and support we have received. We are truly humbled at this heartbreaking time.”

The force said “initial investigations” indicate the collision occurred when one helicopter was taking off and the other was landing.