Wife filmed parasailing Aussie’s fatal fall

A Perth businessman’s death in a parasailing accident in Thailand was filmed and shown online | Graphic content

Perth businessman Roger John Hussey takes off from a Phuket beach.

A 71-year-old Perth businessman’s death in a parasailing accid­ent in Phuket, Thailand, was filmed and circulated on social media yesterday.

Roger John Hussey plunged 70m into the shallows of an island beach moments after take-off.

He and another man, who appeared­ to be hanging on but not strapped in, had been pulled into the air by a boat. People rushed to help and local police told media that Mr Hussey was briefly conscious when medics reached him but he died in hospital.

Roger Hussey. Picture: Facebook

Thai media reported that Mr Hussey accidentally pulled on a hook that released his harness, after confusing ropes on the parasail. Police officer Pichai Songmuang said the parasailing operator and the boat driver had been charged with negligence causing death, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Other media reported that Mr Hussey’s wife, Budsabong Thongsangka, took the video which began with him smiling as he was strapped into safety gear, first by one person, then by three others.

Mr Hussey established the ASX-listed investment company Century Holdings Ltd and was based in Perth where he was deputy chairman of Landgate WA, the government-owned developer­ ­of state-owned land.

Mr Hussey reaches a height of 70m before falling to his death.

He was also on the board of charitable organisations WA Neuroscience Research Institute and the Bali Eye Foundation.

Landgate WA issued a statement of sympathy to Mr Hussey’s family yesterday. “Those who have worked closely with Roger are deeply saddened by this news,” the statement read.

“Roger was an intelligent and energetic contributor to Landgate’s board and to Western Australia’s business community. He served the West Australian community­ in many ways — as a businessman, board member and advocate for a variety of community causes.

“We will miss his deep thinking, willingness to challenge conventio­nal views, and passion for growing our business.”

With AP