THE family of Ron and Diane Hughes, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Gold Coast on Monday (January, 2), has visited their memorial in Australia.

Ron, 65, and Diane Hughes, 57, from Neston, were visiting his daughter, Jane Manns, and her family in Australia when the tragedy occurred.

9News Queensland showed emotional video clips of the family of Ron and Diane visiting floral tributes to pay their respects and mourn their loved ones yesterday (January, 5).

Reporter Nick Kelly, for 9News Queensland, said: "The family of Ron and Diane Hughes stopped by to lay some flowers and take a moment to read some of the kind words that have been written by well-wishers who have stopped by here over the last few days."

Ron and Diane's family described them as "loyal, fun-loving and generous." They said that they are still coming to terms with the "tragedy" in a tribute to the Liverpool Echo.

Wirral Globe: Screengrab from 9News Queensland reportScreengrab from 9News Queensland report (Image: 9News Queensland)

Wirral Globe:

READ > 'You will never be forgotten': Floral tributes left at helicopter crash victim's shop

18-month wait for verdict

9News Queensland has reported today (Friday, January 6) that air crash investigators don't expect a final verdict on what caused the deadly Sea World helicopter collision until the second half of next year.

Wirral Globe: Ron and Diane HughesRon and Diane Hughes (Image: Facebook)

They said: "Both police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are examining the crash, which killed four people on the Gold Coast on Monday afternoon and left three more fighting for life.

"They've repeatedly warned it could be a lengthy investigation but the ATSB has now given its longest timeframe yet, pegging the third quarter of 2024 as the "anticipated completion" date."