Tributes flow for Mathew Farrell killed in Victorian high country plane crash

A photographer with a passion for adventure had just started a new life in Victoria’s high country before his shock death.

Mathew Farrell was a talented photographer. Picture: The Karakoram Anomaly Project

A talented photographer with a passion for adventure has been remembered by friends after he was killed in a plane crash in Victoria’s high country.

Mathew Farrell, 42, tragically died when the light plane he was flying crashed after it departed Mount Beauty Airport about 12pm on Sunday.

A desperate search occurred for the Tawonga man after he failed to arrive at his scheduled destination in New South Wales.

Police found the wreckage of his plane in dense bushland in the state’s northeast, west of Lucyvale about 10am on Monday.

It’s understood Mr Farrell was an experienced photographer and cinematographer who worked on a wide range of projects including large productions and solo operations with companies including News Corp, ABC, Channel 7, Channel 9, Telstra and Getty.

Mathew Farrell was known for his love of adventure.

He was a pilot and a polar guide.

Mr Farrell was an experienced pilot, polar guide, zodiac boat driver, paraglider and climbing guide.

Friend Jeff Reynold told Herald Sun that Mr Farrell was a talented man.

“He was modest about it and always took an ‘anyone can do it attitude’ when it came to inspiring others,” he said.

“He was quiet but his presence was warm.

“I was always impressed with what he was up to, and he always did what made him happy, and if it didn't, he would look for the positive side either way.”

Former Mercury colleague Richard Jupe said Mr Farrell “embraced life”.

“Professionally he was an inspiration to work with, he was committed and passionate and dedicated to innovation,” he said.

“He worked across so many areas and in each not only excelled but created an environment which was a pleasure to work in for his colleagues.

“Mat was one of the most kind and generous people I have ever known.

“He embraced life. He was adventurous yet thoughtful, he was passionate, calm, he was endlessly excitable yet completely giving.

PHOTO GALLERY: BROWSE SOME OF MATHEW’S WORK

Mathew Farrell: A selection of the beloved Tassie photographer’s work

VIEW GALLERY

“He will be missed by so many people in Tasmania, interstate and overseas as he touched people in a way that not many can, and connected with people in a way we all wish we could.”

Tributes have flowed on social media with friends remembering Mr Farrell as a thrillseeker.

“Mathew, your passion for adventure was never far away from everything you did,” Monty BB said.

“Whether it was filming, hang-gliding, rock climbing or out in the wilderness, you made it your own experience and we all came along for the ride.”

Nick Alsop said Mr Farrell was a “wonderful person”.

“His smile and warm heart was a gift to us all,” he said.

Mount Beauty Airport manager Mark Bland watched Mr Farrell’s recently purchased plane take off on Sunday.

He said Mr Farrell obtained his pilot’s licence last year and was also “fairly new” to Tawonga.

It’s understood he was living in the regional Victorian town, which is situated in the state’s far northeast, with his fiancee Kaz.

Mr Farrell worked at the Mercury in Tasmania. Picture: The Karakoram Anomaly Project

Recreational Aviation Australia said it was assisting police with the investigation on what caused the crash.

“RAAus sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the pilot that lost his life yesterday in the Victorian high country,” chief executive Matt Bouttell said.

“With Victorian Police taking charge of the investigation into this accident, RAAus has offered our support and technical expertise to understand the cause of the accident and implement these lessons to further improve our safety performance.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the search and rescue personnel at AMSA, that successfully located the aircraft this morning, having worked in difficult conditions since being made aware of the accident on Sunday.”