The Northern Rivers Times Edition 131

LOCAL TRIBUTES FOR COFFS PILOT KILLED IN GOLD COAST CHOPPER COLLISION

By MARGARET DEKKER

The senior pilot killed in last Monday’s horror mid-air collision above The Broadwater on the Gold Coast is being remembered this week by Northern Rivers communities as a hero of last February’s food response.

Ashley “Jenko” Jenkinson – originally from Coffs Harbour - was one of four people killed when two helicopters, each carrying joy fight passengers, collided mid-air moments after take-off as the other chopper was landing. Both wrecks ended up on a sandy knoll just metres from Sea World headquarters.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is now investigating what caused the mid-afternoon crash approximately 200 feet above ground in clear conditions.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus

Mitchell said they had no preliminary theories about the cause of the accident and it was still very early in the investigation to start speculating.

“Exactly why this occurred, what the range of visibility was for both the pilots, what was happening inside the cabins at the time – they are the things that will help us piece together potentially what might have been a contributing factor here,” Angus Mitchell Chief Commissioner ATSB said.

Ritchie Gregg of Bundall, friend and colleague of Ashley Jenkinson, spoke of the experienced pilot who leaves behind fancée Kosha and 1-year-old son Kaden.

“He was not only one of my mates but a partner, father and an integral part of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Community, working to serve and

Originally from Coffs Harbour, chopper pilot Ashley ‘Jenko’ Jenkinson

help others, always.

“This year he poured his heart into the Northern New South Wales food relief work where he spent countless hours supplying and rescuing those in need that otherwise would never have received any help. He also worked hard throughout the

Australian bushfres and conducted numerous animal rescues. He is our hero and has a huge heart,” Ritchie Gregg friend said.

Volunteer Deanie White, who was at the helm of Ballina’s emergency response, spoke of her sadness and sorrow to ‘be the

bearer of terrible news’ to the community that their own rescuer in the February foods, had tragically died.

“If you heard my call and brought supplies to Kingsford Smith Park to be choppered out to food survivors, Ash few them there. If you received bags of food and loo

paper and nappies via helicopter from Ballina, Ash brought them to you.

“He was a kind, generous man. If it wasn’t for Ash, those fights would never have happened,” Deanie White posted to local social media.

“I thought he was invincible,” Deanie White added.

As others shared condolences and shock at the loss of the 40-yearold, at the top of his game.

“Often good die younger. We are grateful for this caring, thoughtful human,” one woman posted.

“So sad so tragic RIP and thank you for helping when it was needed the most. True Aussie Legend ..”

“I can’t imagine what you are all going through. Thank you, Ash, for your selfess actions in the Ballina/Lismore area ..”