Australian tourist Roger Hussey falls to death while parasailing in Phuket, Thailand
SHOCKING footage has revealed the moment an Australian man plunged 30 metres to his death while parasailing in Phuket.
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A PROMINENT Perth businessman has fallen to his death in a tragic parasailing accident in Thailand, with the incident filmed by his wife standing on the shore.
Roger Hussey, 71, plunged 30m to his death shortly after lift-off at a popular tourist beach in Phuket on Wednesday.
Local media reported Mr Hussey accidentally pulled on a hook that released his harness, after confusing ropes on the parasail.
The shocking footage shows Mr Hussey, who established the ASX-listed investment company Century Holdings Ltd, smiling as he is strapped into his safety gear.
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Seconds later, a boat pulls him and another man, who does not appear to be harnessed, from the Kata Beach shore and into the air.
About 13 seconds into the flight, Hussey is seen falling from the air into the sea.
Beachgoers rushed to help the Australian, who was reportedly having difficulty breathing after he was pulled from the sea.
He died a short time later, Karon Police Station duty officer Police Lieutenant Suwisit Khirirak told local media.
Thai police reportedly charged the boat operator and driver Monthian Jandaeng with reckless driving causing death.
The footage was reportedly taken by Mr Hussey’s wife, Budsabong Thongsangka.
The couple had been holidaying in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai before travelling to Phuket. They were reportedly scheduled to travel back to Australia on Friday.
‘INTELLIGENT AND ENERGETIC’ CONTRIBUTOR
Mr Hussey was a well-respected businessman and community advocate.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he helped grow Century Holdings Ltd from a start-up to a $250 million company and had worked as a senior director and consultant at KPMG Consulting.
He was the current deputy chair at Landgate WA after joining the board in October 2012.
A Landgate WA spokesperson described Mr Hussey as a “intelligent and energetic” contributor to the company and wider business community in Western Australia.
“He served the West Australian community in many ways — as a businessman, board member and advocate for a variety of community causes,” the spokesperson said.
“We will miss his deep thinking, willingness to challenge conventional views, and passion for growing our business.”
He also held various other board roles at the John Fawcett Foundation, Southern Ports Authority, Princess Margaret Hospital, PMH Child Health Research Institute.
He studied at the University of Western Australian, Oxford University and Stanford University.
The latest tragedy follows a jetski accident in February when 20-year-old Australian woman Emily Collie died.
Her boyfriend Thomas Keating later pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade data lists Thailand as one of the most dangerous destination for Australian visitors.
Over 320 Australians were injured or died in Thailand in 2016, ahead of the Philippines and Indonesia.
Originally published as Australian tourist Roger Hussey falls to death while parasailing in Phuket, Thailand
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