Comedian Jim Jefferies unloads over inquiry into Whitsunday’s helicopter disaster

Channel 7 presenter Jim Jefferies who lost his nephew in an army helicopter crash off the Whitsunday coast last year has slammed an inquiry into the disaster.

The wreckage of MRH 90 Taipan military helicopter crashed being lifted out of Whitsundays waters. Picture: Michaela Harlow

A high-profile TV presenter who lost his nephew in an army helicopter crash off the Whitsunday coast has slammed an inquiry into the disaster.

The MRH-90 Taipan helicopter plunged into the ocean near Hamilton Island in July last year during a military training exercise, killing Captain Danniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, Corporal Alexander Nagg and Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent.

His nephew was Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent.

An inquiry into the tragedy this week heard damning evidence from an experienced test pilot, Major Ian Wilson, who said he “knew with certainty this accident was going to happen” and told army officials they could face a case of industrial manslaughter.

Jim Jefferies hosts The 1% Club for Channel 7. Picture: Supplied

TV presenter Jim Jefferies, host of Channel 7’s The 1% Club, took to Instagram on Saturday to praise Major Wilson for giving evidence, while slamming the running of the inquiry.

“Industrial manslaughter. I’d like to know why after 15 months it has taken this long for this information to come out,” he wrote.

“My family and the families of the other three men have been living in complete anguish wondering who or what was at fault and this information existed the whole time.

“Months of going to the inquiry on their own dime, using up all their holiday leave just trying to get some closure, and the government has dragged this out.

“We still haven’t heard the black box.

“We deserve more.

“I’d like to thank Major Ian Wilson for his bravery in testifying.”

Debris from the crashed MRH-90 Taipan helicopter which killed all four on-board during Exercise Talisman Sabre being unloaded from a barge in Airlie Beach, Queensland. Picture 9News

Mr Jefferies, a comedian who spends most of his time in the US, has previously spoken about his heartache at losing his nephew, with whom he shared a close friendship.

“Over the years I have had the absolute pleasure watching him grow into the man he became: a hardworking, sweet, honest human,” he said in August last year.

“He led his life with honour and respect and was just a great bloke.

“He’s someone I always admired, and I was so proud to call him my nephew. I still am.”

At the time, Mr Jefferies was grateful for the support of the Australian government and the defence force, saying “they couldn’t have been more attentive”.

However, those feelings have turned to anger and frustration as the saga drags on.

Mr Jefferies was contacted for comment but declined to add to his Instagram post.

Originally published as Comedian Jim Jefferies unloads over inquiry into Whitsunday’s helicopter disaster