Tributes flow for passionate skydiver and war veteran, Ian Robertson, killed in Taree tragedy
Fellow skydivers from as far flung as the United States have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes for war veteran Ian ‘Robbo’ Robertson who died on Saturday doing what he loved.
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Members of the global skydiving community and local sports associations have taken to social media to remember Vietnam War veteran Ian ‘Robbo’ Robertson who died on Saturday while skydiving at Taree.
Mr Robertson, aged in his 70s, was attended to by emergency services who were called to Taree Airport about 11.45am on Saturday after reports he had been involved in an uncontrolled landing.
Paramedics worked to save Mr Robertson at the scene, performing CPR, but he died not long after arriving at Manning Base Hospital.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman told The Mid-North Coast News that he was treated for serious head injuries at the scene. A police report into the exact circumstances surrounding his death will be prepared for the coroner.
In the days since the incident, skydivers from across the globe have taken to social media to share their heart felt tributes for Mr Robertson, who was a veteran of the Vietnam War and a much-loved member of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association.
He was also the former secretary of the Hunter-based Skydive Elderslie – Newcastle Sport Parachute Club.
“PMHHA (Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association) are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death over the weekend of C Grade stalwart Ian “Robbo” Robertson,” A post to the association’s Facebook page read.
“Ian was a larger than life character who never let his 74 years of age be a barrier to life! A world record skydiver, Vietnam Vet, veterans advocate, devoted West Coast Eagles fan and an avid player of our sport – hockey.
“Our deepest sympathy to his wife Deb, all his family and friends and to his wider hockey family. He will be sadly missed by all within our hockey community especially on a Friday night for a beer and chat.”
His untimely death comes just 10 days from Vietnam Veteran’s Day, or Long Tan Day, which is recognised each year on August 18.
It is a commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan 55 years ago in 1966, and serves as reminder to the sacrifices of those who died and the efforts of almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of the nation's involvement in the Vietnam War.
Mr Robertson not only left an indelible imprint on his hockey-playing friends, but also those he kept company with on his global skydiving pursuits.
The American-based POPS (Parachutists Over Phorty Society) said it was sad to hear of his tragic passing.
“Sorry to report that Ian “Robbo” Robertson passed away yesterday,” a post to the group’s Facebook page read.
“Robbo was an integral part of the NSPC family. There will be a memorial at Elderslie later in the year.
“Thoughts go out to [wife] Deb and his family. “
The organisation is a society of like-minded parachutists, aged 40 and older, who have made one or more parachute jumps, solo or tandem.
Group member Russ Manhold said he shared many fond moments with “Robbo” and his wife.
“Many happy memories with Robbo and Debbie, jumping with POPS in the USA and New Zealand,” he wrote.
“Robbo was a military veteran and former World Top POP. Blue skies, dear friend.”
Cathleen Hislop said she was friends with Mr Robertson through skydiving and had known him for many years.
“He will be dearly missed,” she wrote. “All my love to Debbie and family.”
Loryn Topolski paid her respects to Mr Robertson’s family, writing that he “was a lovely man always so eager to play [hockey] and be involved.”
“He will be dearly missed by so many.”
Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are looking into the matter.
The Mid-North Coast News has also contacted the Australian Parachute Federation for comment in relation to the incident.
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