The families of four Australian Defence Force members who are feared dead after a chopper crashed into the sea near Hamilton Island have shared touching tributes to their loved ones.
Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Phillip Laycock are presumed dead after a training mission as part of the Exercise Talisman Sabre went terribly wrong on Friday night.
Parts of the aircraft – a MRH-90 chopper – have been recovered from the sea near Hamilton Island, but the four men on board are still yet to be found.
Their families have now spoken out, sharing their heartache those who have been lost.
Captain Danniel Lyon has been remembered as a “beloved husband, devoted father of two and great mate”.
The decorated pilot’s smile “could brighten even the darkest days”, his family wrote in a statement.
“His light shone so brightly we cannot imagine a world without it.”
In another statement, family members of Lieutenant Maxwell (Max) Nugent said being an officer in the Army was one of his long-held dreams.
“He made that dream a reality through stubborn grit, resilience and a wicked sense of humour,” his family shared in a statement.
“Our Max fitted so much living into his 24 years.
“He got to live his dream. He loved flying, and Army life was everything he hoped it would be.”
Much like his teammates, Corporal Alexander Naggs has also been described as a beloved partner, son, brother and friend, who was hardworking, generous and kind.
“Alex was an inspiration to his family and those around him,” his family said in a statement.
“We are heartbroken to lose him so soon.
“We offer our thoughts to the families of Alex’s crew mates at this time.”
The parents of Joseph Phillip Laycock (Phillip) shared their deep sadness at losing their beloved son, who had “two main loves in life” – the military and his children.
“Outside of his Army career, Phillip was a devoted father and enthusiastic mountain biker,” his parents Joseph and Dianne Laycock shared.
“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.”
The beloved son and brother also leaves behind three sons, aged between seven and 11, who share their father’s love for the outdoors.
“We have been left devastated by the loss of our son and extend our most heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of Phillip’s crewmates.”
The military helicopter, known as a Taipan, had been engaged in a two-helicopter mission when it crashed at about 10.30pm on Friday.
The second chopper immediately began a search and rescue operation.
Defence minister Richard Marles addressed media on Saturday morning, confirming the four aircrew were yet to be found.