Helicopter tragedy: Crash survivor reveals the two words her son said to her

One of the young survivors of the horrific fatal helicopter crash over the Broadwater has smiled, given the thumbs up and spoken two words to his mother. Find out more.

One of the young survivors of the horrific fatal helicopter crash over the Broadwater has smiled, given the thumbs up and spoken two words to his mother.

Four people – including pilot Ashley Jenkinson, British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros – died when the choppers crashed between 200 and 300m above the helipad at Sea World about 2pm on Monday.

Geelong residents Winnie de Silva (mother) and Leon de Silva (son) who survived the helicopter crash over the Gold Coast Broadwater. Picture: Supplied

Three people, including two children, were left in hospital in a critical condition.

Victorian mum Willie De Silva is in the Gold Coast University Hospital recovering and has been separated from her nine-year-old son Leon, who was taken to the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Both are in a stable condition.

Ten-year-old Nicholas Tadros is also in the children’s hospital.

Leon de Silva in hospital following the crash. Picture: Supplied

On Friday afternoon Ms De Silva released a statement thanking the public for their support.

“Yesterday, I had a video call with Leon, and he gave me a ‘thumbs up’ and one of his big, beautiful smiles,” she said.

“Today he spoke two words, ‘my leg’, which gives me hope that he is getting stronger each day.”

Ms De Silva said the “thoughts and healing prayers” for herself and Leon were helping her stay positive.

Winnie De Silva in hospital after she survived a helicopter crash on the Gold Coast near Sea World. Source: GoFundMe page

“With more surgery scheduled for me next week, my complete focus is on getting better so that within the next couple of weeks I can be with Leon and support his recovery,” she said.

“I can’t wait to hug my beautiful, brave boy!

“We are so grateful for the generous contributions to the Go Fund Me page.

“The generosity of people has been amazing, and I can’t thank you enough.

“More importantly, I continue to pray for the recovery of young Nicholas, who was seated near me in the helicopter, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the other passengers.

“It is an unthinkable and difficult time for us all.”

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Originally published as Helicopter tragedy: Crash survivor reveals the two words her son said to her