Sea World Helicopters owner John Orr-Campbell issues tribute to pilot Ash Jenkinson killed in tragedy

The director of the company behind Sea World Helicopters has spoken for the first time about the loss of pilot Ashley Jenkinson. Read his full tribute

The director of the company behind Sea World Helicopters has spoken for the first time about the loss of chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson, saying he and his staff were “gutted to the core” in the wake of the crash.

In a statement through his public relations company, John Orr-Campbell paid tribute to the four people who lost their lives.

“We also acknowledge the suffering of those that were injured,” he said.

“Ash Jenkinson, an experienced pilot, who lost his life in the accident, was well known to many of us.

“I knew Ash personally for nine years. He was a fine man and a standout pilot with 6210 hours of flying to his name.

“To lose a man and a pilot of Ash’s calibre is shocking in every sense of the word. I, along with all the staff at Sea World Helicopters are gutted to the core.

“My heart aches as I think of Ash’s fiancée Kosha and his one-year-old son Kayden.”

John Orr-Campbell, director of Sea World Helicopters.

Sea World chief pilot Ashley Jenkinson.

Mr Orr-Campbell said the company had offered condolences, support and counselling to the families and passengers of both aircraft.

“We also mourn the loss of his passengers and cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling,” he wrote.

“I would also like to commend the other pilot, Michael James, who heroically got the second aircraft to the ground safely. We wish him well in his recovery.”

Mr Orr-Campbell said Mr Jenkinson had performed his first flight in May 2007 and obtained his Commercial Pilots License in June 2008.

“His love for flying took him to the Northern Territory where he ran scenic flights until the end of September 2011,” he said.

“His professional, bright, warm and welcoming personality saw him rise through the ranks and he became the Northern Territory Base Manager. Here he mentored several upcoming pilots, and he also spent many hours flying traditional owners to survey the land.

“During this time Ash showed his love and commitment to community - he was involved in multiple search and rescue flights in the area.

This community mindedness saw him dedicate over 700 hours and many days away from family and friends assisting in firefighting operations across Australia.

“In December 2011 Ash became a Grade 1 Instructor conducting over 2500 hours instructing.

Ash has trained hundreds of today’s commercial helicopter pilots.

“In 2019 Ash became Chief Pilot of Sea World Helicopters overseeing all aspects of safety and flight operations.

“We have lost a first-class pilot, a first-class man and a wonderful father, partner and friend.

“RIP Ash, you will forever be in our hearts.”

Chopper pilot ‘Jenko’ a ‘true gentleman, generous, a legend’

January 4, 2023: The pilot killed in the Broadwater mid-air chopper collision disaster is being remembered as a “genuine bloke” with a generous, adventure spirit and Northern Rivers flood hero.

Tributes to Gold Coast father Ash Jenkinson have flooded in since it emerged he was killed in the at the controls of one of the choppers, which collided with another over the Broadwater at 2pm on Monday.

The 40-year-old father, known to mates as “Jenko”, is one of four people who died in the tragedy.

Mr Jenkinson had just welcomed his first child, a son, in September. His devastated wife, friends and family were being consoled on Monday evening.

Friends and loved ones have described a man who tirelessly flew mercy missions during last year’s Northern Rivers flooding disaster, a “true gentleman” and helpful, spirited person.

Close friend Andy Taylor revealed the heartbreaking moment he realised his mate was gone.

Mr Taylor, speaking on Tuesday morning of his heartbreak, said of finding out on Monday: “I saw some photos come up on social media and tried to ring Ash and make contact.

“There was no answer so I rang a friend of mine and he gave me the unfortunate news.”

Sea World Helicopters Chief Pilot Ash Jenkinson, who died in a chopper collision over the Gold Coast Broadwater on Monday.

Mr Jenkinson had been chief pilot at SeaWorld Helicopters since August 1, 2019.

Sea World Helicopters Chief Pilot Ash Jenkinson (centre), who died in a chopper collision over the Gold Coast Broadwater on Monday.

Tributes flooding social media include riend Ritchie Gregg remembering him as a “legend”.

“The people you helped all thank you,” he wrote on Facebook, in references to mercy missions Mr Jenkinson flew during the Northern Rivers flooding disaster last year.

“This will always be the highlight of my life and just one of your legacies when we helped flood people. Cheers to u.

“We helped hundreds of homes and people through northern NSW floods with his help. GC lost a legend today.”

Lee Campbell, writing “RIP mate xx”, highlighted: “Over the years I have know you I know that fun, positive, adventurous spirit of the legend that you are will live on through the lives of everyone that knew you.

“Sending lots of love and condolences to your family and everyone who knew Ash.”

Blair Chave said Mr Jenkinson was a “great genuine bloke who was a pleasure to train with”.

“We used to talk about his job a lot, a job he absolutely loved which not only included rides for tourists but also he battled the intense bush fires a few years back and helped the flood victims. Respect.”

Andy Taylor, a close friend of Sea World chief pilot Ash Jenkinson. Picture: ABC News

Lari Tania Morley said she was “so, so shattered”.

“Thanks for always being a beautiful soul Ash I’ve always thought the absolute world of you, love you and see you on the other side mate,” she said.

Chris Lea said news of Mr Jenkinson’s death was “unbelievable”.

“My heartfelt condolences to your family. Blue skies my friend.”

Wayne Court, posting to the Bulletin Facebook page, wrote: “So tragic. Was a genuine good guy. RIP Ash.”

“The most beautiful person you will ever have met in the world, he will be missed by all. Love you Ash," wrote Wendy Plummer.

Lynda Paley Shepherd added: “Words fail me at this devastating news that you Ash have gained your angel wings way before your time in this tragic accident.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you did for me and Tim when we came over in 2017.”

Lucy Rachel who had worked with him said she was struggling for words: “I had the privilege of working with Ash for six months in 2021. An amazing pilot.

“Always so kind, helpful, and supportive. A true gentlemen, and always willing to lend a hand.My heart goes out to his family. He will be sorely missed.

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