Simon Tadros pays tribute to his wife one year after Sea World tragedy

One year after the Sea World Helicopter crash, Sydneysider Simon Tadros has commemorated the death of his wife Vanessa and paid tribute to his son’s recovery.

One year after the Sea World Helicopter crash, Simon Tadros has commemorated the death of his wife Vanessa.

Vanessa died on January 2, 2023 aboard the Sea World joy ride helicopter when it collided with another helicopter in the air. Their son Nicholas Tadros was also on board and was severely injured but survived the incident and continues his recovery.

“Today has been one year since the worst day of my life occurred, that has changed my life forever,” Simon Tadros said in a Facebook post.

“Today is the day that my wife Vanessa left us and is sitting with our heavenly father up in heaven.

“Vanessa was the most beautiful soul a person could have. Her heart was always filled with love and compassion for everyone.”

Nicky Tadros with his dad Simon Tadros at their Western Sydney home. Nicky lost his leg in a helicopter crash last year which also killed his mother. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The accident claimed the lives of Ms Tadros, pilot Ashley Jenkinson and British newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes.

Nicky Tadros was one of nine survivors, including mother Winnie De Silva and her nine-year-old son Leon.

“I ask that everyone today remember all the good times and the laughs that they shared with Vanessa,” Mr Tadros said.

“I ask we pray not only for Vanessa but also for everyone that lost their lives in the Sea World helicopter accident and for their families as well. Vanessa will never be forgotten.”

Ms Tadros was 36 at the time of the crash.

Nicky Tadros fell into a coma and had to have his right leg amputated following the accident, and enduring a gruelling physical recovery while also grieving the death of his mother.

“It’s all been very mentally draining,” Mr Tadros said.

“But I can’t be more proud of Nicholas for his maturity levels and how he’s come out the other side from this.

“He has had his moments, and I’ll let him have those moments because it’s not easy, but what we’ve always said is we’re not going to sit down and cry ourselves a river.

“It’s not going to change anything. We just have to somehow get up, face it, get on with it. That’s what we’re doing,” he said.

Nicky has since taught himself how to walk again, and despite continuing health complications, is returning to his passions and moving forward.

Originally published as Simon Tadros pays tribute to his wife one year after Sea World tragedy