Nephew of Australian comedian among four suspected dead in army helicopter crash

A popular Aussie comedian has shared that his nephew was among the Australian Army missing and feared dead in a catastrophic helicopter crash in the Whitsundays.

Police Boat Damian Leeding is helping in the search for four missing Aussies after a military helicopter crash in the Whitsundays. PIcture: Janessa Ekert

An emotional Jim Jefferies has posted to social media that his nephew was among the four men feared dead after a catastrophic army helicopter crash in waters off the Whitsunday Islands on Friday night.

The Australian comedian disclosed through a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday that his nephew, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, was on board the MRH-90 Taipan, along with Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs when the disaster struck.

Now residing in the US, Jefferies expressed profound grief over the loss of his beloved nephew and extended condolences to the bereaved families of the other servicemen, acknowledging the enduring pain they must now grapple with.

“I remember the day Max was born. He was my brother and sister-in-law’s first child, and the first grandchild on both sides of his family. He couldn’t have been more loved and welcomed into this world. We had high hopes for Max and he didn’t disappoint,” he wrote.

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

Australian Army officer Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, who is missing after a Taipan MRH-90 helicopter crashed near Queensland's Hamilton Island on Friday morning as a part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. The search continues for four servicemen aboard an army helicopter that went down during military drills near Queensland's Hamilton Island on Friday morning. Picture: Australian Defence Department

The heartbreaking Instagram post also highlighted that his brother’s family has a legacy of serving as first responders, and poignantly underscored the risks borne by those serving in these roles.

“My brother’s family have dedicated their lives to public service working as first responders,” Jeffreys wrote.

“This tragedy reminds us of the risks that come with those jobs, and the immense bravery of those who choose to stick their necks out every day so that we feel safe.”

The announcement culminated with a heartbreaking farewell, as the comedian expressed his deep regret over not having the chance to bid goodbye to his nephew.

“I wish I had the chance to say goodbye. Max, thank you so much mate. I love you. RIP,” he wrote.

“You did what you loved until the very end.”

Jim Jefferies in a scene from his Netflix stand-up comedy special Jim Jefferies: This Is Me Now. Picture: Supplied

It is understood Jefferies was flying back to Australia from the US to be with family.

He is also scheduled to perform in Brisbane on August 13 at Fortitude Music Hall.

The tragic event unfolded during a joint military exercise known as Operation Talisman Sabre late at night on July 28.

Despite the persistent efforts of the rescue team since the crash, Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed on Monday that the significant wreckage found suggests a catastrophic incident that most likely claimed the lives of the servicemen.

Jefferies’ other brother, Scott Nugent, also posted a heartfelt tribute to his nephew on Instagram, sharing that Maxwell’s father Daniel Nugent, was a senior NSW Police Force officer.

“On Friday 28th July, my nephew Lt Max Nugent, passed away in a tragic helicopter accident serving our country,” he wrote.

“I held Max in my arms when he was just a few hours old, and it was a joy to watch him grow into an amazing young man.

“Max had service to our country in his DNA. His father is a long-standing distinguished Senior Police Officer and his sister is a Nurse who helps others everyday.”