Pilot killed in car theft tragedy in East Arnhem near Yirrkala identified as Chris Coffee

The employers of a Top End pilot killed when a stolen car hit his vehicle has been remembered as a loving husband, father and colleague.

The motorist killed when his vehicle was struck by a stolen car near Yirrkala has been identified as married father of three and pilot, Chris Coffee.

Mr Coffee, 36, died when the Toyota Prado he was driving was hit front-on by a stolen Toyota Corolla on Gunyipinya Rd, near Yirrkala after 7.15am on Wednesday.

A passenger in Mr Coffee’s vehicle and fellow Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot, Simon Zingg, suffered minor injuries in the smash.

The driver and two passengers in the stolen Corolla were also killed.

On Thursday MAF released a tribute to Mr Coffee, who had been working and living Arnhem Land with his young family since May 2023.

Mr Coffee is survived by his wife, Alison, and three young children.

A GoFundMe campaign as of 5pm on Thursday had raised almost $14k.

Chris Coffee from Mission Aviation Fellowship who was fatally struck by a stolen vehicle in East Arnhem. Picture: Facebook

MAF International chief executive Dave Fyock said Mr Coffee, who had become the organisation’s deputy director, had moved to Arnhem Land to serve others.

“Chris had a heart for the people of Arnhem Land and a deep sense of calling,” Mr Fyock said.

“He combined his passion to be a pilot with a desire to serve Jesus by bringing help, hope and healing through aviation to some of Australia’s most isolated communities.

“Our team in Arnhem Land and the wider MAF family across the world are hurting deeply at

such an unfathomable loss.

“We pray for comfort and peace as we try to come to terms with this tragedy.”

Mr Fyock said Mr Zingg, 38, had arrived in Arnhem Land in December 2023 from Switzerland to serve the community.

He was taken to Gove District Hospital after the crash, where his condition was described as stable.

Mr Fyock said flight operations in Arnhem Land had been suspended for the rest of this week, with no announcement yet on when services would resume.

Police continue to investigate the crash, which followed the theft of a grey Toytoa Corolla from a residence in Nhulunbuy at about 6.45am that day.

Chris Coffee was a MAF pilot and MAF deputy director.

Police said that not long before the smash the stolen Corolla was seen driving dangerously near the Yirrkala community.

A blurb on Chris on the MAF website said that he had wanted to fly planes from an early age and had first connected with MAF at an outreach event.

He spent time working at the Canadian snowfields before returning to Australia to study at Bible college.

After meeting Alison at Bible college and marrying, Chris moved to Cowra to work as a flight instructor before moving to Arnhem Land in 2023.

Gunyipinya Rd has since been re-opened to traffic, although the Yirrkala health clinic will remain closed Thursday and Friday.

NT Police Superintendent Jody Nobbs thanked first responders and expressed his “profound” sorrow at the tragedy.

“The tragic loss of four beloved members of our small, close knit community in yesterday’s road crash has left an undeniable void that no words can truly fill,” he said. “This devestating event has shaken all of us and the grief we are feeling is shared by each and every one of us.

“I acknowledge each of you are seeking answers to the how-and-why. We are working through these questions. My team including major crash and forensic service specialists and I are fully committed to ensuring that all circumstances surrounding this tragedy are thorougly investigated.”

Member for Mulka Yingiya Mark Guyula responded to the “terrible tragedy”.

“Over the following days, families across the region will attend hearing ceremonies, where they will be told of these sad losses,” he said.

“My thoughts are with all the families and the communities at this time as they hear this very sad news.

“Right now our communities are in shock and we must come together and support each other. I’d also like to thank all of the emergency responders who have been working with the Gove community at this time.”

Sixty people lost their lives on Territory roads in 2024, and the current road toll for 2025 now stands at four.

Originally published as Pilot killed in car theft tragedy in East Arnhem near Yirrkala identified as Chris Coffee