Geelong helicopter crash survivor returns to basketball after two months in hospital

A Geelong boy who survived the Sea World helicopter disaster has made a triumphant return to basketball after suffering from a serious brain injury.

A Geelong boy who survived the Sea World helicopter disaster has made a triumphant return to basketball after spending two months in hospital.

Winnie de Silva and her nine-year-old son Leon were seriously injured when the two choppers collided on the Gold Coast on January 2.

The crash claimed the lives of Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson, British newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney mum Vanessa Tadros.

Leon was placed into a coma after suffering a brain injury but was released from a Queensland hospital and reunited with his mum in Geelong.

Leon de Silva with his basketball team.

Leon wearing a helmet due to his brain injury.

Two months on, Leon played his first game back with Lara Giants Basketball Club on Saturday.

“Today Leon made his return to the basketball court and had a brilliant game equal top scoring for his side with four points,” a spokesman said.

“But what was even more amazing was seeing Leon out there doing what he loves with a massive smile and the support of his friends.

“Leon we are so proud of you and how brave you have been and continue to be.”

It comes as the interim report into the cause of the crash was released on Tuesday.

Leon has been called an inspiration by his team.

The pilot of the helicopter that miraculously landed on a sandbank with no fatalities, Michael James, told investigators he did not hear a taxi call over radio from Mr Jenkinson as that aircraft took off, the report revealed.

The report, however, said the early finding did not necessarily mean a taxi call was not made but the topic “will be subject to detailed analysis” by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation.

The findings come as part of ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell’s preliminary report into the disaster.

Asked if evidence suggested the crash was more likely to have been caused by pilot error than equipment failure, Mr Mitchell said all potential contributing factors were being looked at.

Mrs de Silva told the Herald Sun she was disappointed with the report.

“I haven’t really got the answers I was looking for,” she said.

“I know there is more investigations but I thought it would show exactly why the accident happened.

“There’s conflicting answers for us.”

Mrs de Silva said she wanted definite answers on whether the pilots communicated and what other options could have been taken to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

The investigation is not expected to be completed until next year with findings by the ATSB due to be released in late 2024.

Leon and Winnie de Silva reunited at home.

Mrs de Silva uses a walking frame for support.

Mrs de Silva said her recovery was going well, despite having both of her legs in a brace due to breaks.

She said Leon was back at school for a few hours a week but had to wear a helmet to protect his head.

“Every time he is playing, he needs to have it,” she said.

“He understands he needs to protect himself.

“He knows he has a brain injury but he isn’t comfortable talking about it.”

Mrs de Silva said Leon doesn’t remember much from the crash.

She said both of them were still living with the trauma of the disaster.

“I’m thanking God I’m feeling better but what about the trauma in my life and. my son’s, she said.

“I’ll never forgive myself to have made my son suffer.”

Mrs de Silva and Leon were on a “budget holiday” in Queensland when the pair decided to go on the joy flight.

Her husband, Neil de Silva, watched the tragedy unfold from the ground.

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A Geelong boy who survived the Sea World helicopter disaster has returned to basketball after two months in hospital. #geelong#victoria#seaworld#helicopter#crash#recovery#fyp#goodnews

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