‘Totally shattered’: Man watched on helplessly as wife killed, son injured

A heartbroken father and husband “distressingly witnessed” a horror helicopter crash that killed his wife and left his son in a critical condition.

A heartbroken father and husband “distressingly witnessed” the horrific helicopter crash that killed his wife and left his son in a critical condition.

Vanessa Tadros died when two helicopters collided at Sea World on Monday afternoon. The incident also claimed the lives of three other people.

Simon Tadros witnessed the helicopter crash that killed his wife Vanessa and critically injured his son, Nicholas. Picture: Supplied

Ms Tadros’ son, Nicholas, remains severely injured in hospital.

Father and husband Simon Tadros told The Courier-Mail on Wednesday to: “Ask everyone to pray for my son that he wakes up and makes a good recovery”.

A cousin of Vanessa Tadros’ said Nicholas would be transferred from a Gold Coast hospital to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, following a successful five hour surgery.

“The surgery went well and the bleeding stopped,” she said.

“His state is still critical but I guess better,”

“He’s strong enough and being a kid, his ability and chance to heal is higher.”

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the crash. Picture NewsWire / David Clark

Mr Tadros also revealed his wife’s event planning business, Vee Vee Creations, would be shut down.

“Vee Vee Creations will be closing down,” he wrote on social media.

“I will be going through Vanessa’s records to see which events have to be refunded or cancelled.

“I’m sorry to anyone that this has inconvenienced.”

Mr Tadros explained to the customers about his wife’s tragic death in this heartbreaking post.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to inform everyone of the passing of my beautiful wife and mother to my son Vanessa,” he said.

“Vanessa was one of the victims in the seaworld (sic) helicopter crash that happened on the Gold Coast a couple of days ago. While my son is fighting for life in the ICU of Gold Coast hospital.”

Aircrash investigators and staff from Harvey Towing look over the crash site for more debris. Picture: NewsWire / David Clark

A GoFundMe created by family friend Rochelle Fajloun revealed Mr Tadros witnessed the incident.

“Simon distressingly witnessed the accident unfold and is totally shattered,” Ms Fajloun said.

“With all of the emotional pain that death brings, it can also bring significant financial burden. “Any donations that can help the family during this difficult period will be most appreciated.”

The fundraiser has already raised more than $3000.

Vanessa Tadros. Picture: Supplied

“Yesterday, my dear beloved friend Vanessa Tadros, a much loved and highly respected mother was on a family holiday in QLD when she devastatingly lost her life in the tragic helicopter accident on the Gold Coast,” Ms Fajloun wrote.

“Vanessa’s beautiful young son Nicholas is critically injured and on life support as he fights for his life in a Gold Coast hospital, with his father by his side.

“We are praying for a miracle that our Nicky, (as he is playfully known) can be brought back to his grief stricken father Simon.”

Queensland Police and ATSB Officers recover the wreckage after four people were killed when two helicopters collided near Sea World. Picture Scott Powick

Ms Fajloun called for the public to come together and help the family.

“If by God’s grace Nicky survives his catastrophic injuries, he will have an intense and protracted recovery period. Please keep him in your prayers,” she said.

Tributes of support started flowing through on the page.

“My heartfelt condolences to Simon and Nicholas. Get well soon Nicholas, our little Cobra Kai on behalf of 4 Red,” Leeanne Croxen commented.

The GoFundMe can be found here.

British couple Diane and Ron Hughes were killed in the Sea World helicopter crash. Picture: Supplied.

Meanwhile, the family of a British couple also killed in the crash have asked for privacy.

Ron and Diane Hughes were on a holiday visiting family when they were killed in the tragedy.

The couple had made the trip to visit Ron’s daughter, Jane Manns, her husband and their children.

The Manns said they were devastated by their deaths.

“Our family is heartbroken and we are still trying to contact friends and family to let them know,” Jane and Ben Manns said in a statement.

“Please respect our privacy at this devastating time.”

Loved ones are expected to arrive in Australia in the next few days.

Originally published as ‘Totally shattered’: Man watched on helplessly as wife killed, son injured