Helicopter crash boy off life support, holding dad’s hand

The 10-year-old boy critically injured in the Sea World helicopter crash has been taken off life support and has been holding his dad’s hand, as his family prepares for his mother’s funeral.

Critically injured Sea World helicopter crash victim Nicholas Tadros has been taken off life support and has been holding his dad’s hand as he makes a miracle recovery from horrific injuries.

The Sydney 10-year-old was left fighting for life after the January 2 mid-air collision which killed his mother Vanessa, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson.

Nicholas underwent six hours of surgery in Queensland Children’s Hospital last Tuesday in what his dad Simon said would be a “major test” on his battered body.

In a Facebook update on Sunday, Mr Tadros said his son “has been off life support now for a few days”.

Simon and Vanessa Tadros with their son Nicholas. Mrs Tadros was killed when two Sea World Helicopters collided at the Gold Coast on January 2 and Nicholas was left in a critical condition. Picture: Supplied

“His body has responded very well, (he’s) still on the ventilator machine to support his breathing,” Mr Tadros wrote.

“They have lowered his sedation medicine at times to see if he is responsive and he has woken up and able to respond to some questions with a nod or shake of the head.

Nicholas Tadros and Vanessa Tadros in the last photo taken of them before two helicopters collided near Sea World. In the photo they can be seen holding the joyride ticket. Picture: 9NEWS

“He is also able to hold my hand but still (has) no movement in his legs yet, but have been advised that could be due to the broken bones in both his legs.

“Due to the pain and distress and anxiety levels they have had to sedate him again for now. He has a couple of surgeries next week. One on Tuesday and a major operation on his right ankle on Friday, so pray that all goes well.

“Thank you to everybody that has shown support, love and the continuous prayers for Nicky, God is listening to our prayers.

“Please continue to pray for Nicholas, he has a long hard road ahead of him.”

Mrs Tadros’s funeral is being held in Sydney on Monday.

Mr Jenkinson was farewelled at a moving funeral service on the Gold Coast last Friday, with emotional eulogies from his widow Kosha and older brother Miles.

Two crash survivors, Winnie de Silva and her 9-year-old son Leon, remain in hospital in a stable condition.