Heartbreak for cameraman Nick Beaney’s family after his shock death two months after jet crash

Tributes are flowing after the sudden death of another cameraman following the mid-air fighter jet crash over Port Phillip Bay.

Cameraman Nick Beaney (centre) died after suffering an aneurysm. Picture: Facebook

The television industry has been rocked by the death of a second cameraman following a Port Phillip Bay plane crash.

TV veteran Nick Beaney had been working with colleague James Rose and Jetworks Aviation pilot Stephen Gale on November 19, before a Viper S-211 ­Marchetti jet carrying Mr Gale and Mr Rose plunged into the water.

It is understood Mr Beaney had flown with Mr Gale in the jet earlier in the day before Mr Rose took over filming in the cockpit – and that he later saw their jet collide with a second aircraft over the bay.

Rescue crews scoured the area to find Mr Rose, 30, and Mr Gale, 56.

Cameraman Nick Beaney had flown with pilot Stephen Gale on the morning of the crash. Picture: Facebook

James Rose and Stephen Gale were killed in the disaster. Picture: Supplied.

They eventually located the plane wreckage and their bodies.

Mr Beaney, 61, died after suffering an aneurysm less than six weeks later, on December 28. His wife Siobhan said that her husband’s death was especially “heartbreaking” as Mr Beaney had been close friends with Mr Rose’s father, David, for decades.

“He had known James since he was born,” she said.

“Nick found it extremely stressful following the crash. It was very hard for him, and our close friend.”

David Rose said Mr Beaney had been forced to break the news to him that James was involved in the air crash.

Tributes have flowed for Mr Beaney after his death on December 28. Picture: Facebook

The death of James Rose was very hard for Mr Beaney, who was a close friend of James’ father. Picture: cameracrew.com.au

“For him to have to ring me and tell me my son had died would have weighed very heavily with him,” he said.

The pair met while working in the Seven newsroom.

“I’d travelled overseas with him and we have worked together on and off for nearly 40 years, and I considered him a close friend,” he said.

At a memorial service last week, Ms Beaney said they would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this month.

“He always had my back and put me and the boys first, he would have done everything to make life easy for us,” she said.

“I will miss his cheerful greetings, meeting him in the park after my walk home from work, and many other things, but mostly his genuine love for us.”

“He had an incredible ­career which took him to the North and South Poles and everywhere inbetween.”

Mr Beaney started his media career in the late 1980s when he began working in the mail room at Channel 7 before meeting Siobhan, who worked in the programming department.

His youngest son Edward said he cherished the love for film and photography which he shared with his father and which inspired him to complete a film degree.

“From now on through my career, every time I pick up a camera, I will always know he is looking down on me,” Edward said.

“Knowing that dad will never be in his garage trying out his new equipment breaks my heart and makes me wish I spent more time with him in there.”

Eldest son Angus remembered his father as a role model with a competitive spirit when playing chess and pool, their favourite games.

“When I needed him most, he was always there, not only for me but for our whole family and those who were privileged enough to call him their friend,” he said.

Police and ATSB probes into the crash continue.

The other pilot was unhurt and managed to fly back to ­Essendon Airport.