Two people, including pilot Troy Thomas, were killed in a helicopter crash in Broome, Western Australia, on Saturday 4 July 2020.The helicopter is believed to have crashed shortly after take-off.
Thomas, 40, was the founder of the award-winning Horizontal Falls Seaplane adventures, which was acquired by Journey Beyond in 2019. Horizontal Falls Seaplane adventures has been the recipient of multiple Australian Tourism Awards, and Thomas was still working with the company at the time of his death.
A 12-year-old girl has also died in the crash, while a woman and another 12-year-old child have been critically injured, and were flown to Perth for medical treatment.
The WA branch of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) released the following statement via social media.
“The Tourism Industry is in mourning today with the very sad news of the tragic death of Troy Thomas founder of the award winning #HorizontalFallsAdventureCompany a devoted husband & father, son, brother & friend to many.
Our condolences to Troy’s family & friends
R.I.P. Troy”