Before his seaplane plunged into the Hawkesbury River killing his entire family, Richard Cousins bought three tickets to the fifth Ashes test.
Seats 18-20 in Bay 246 of the SCG’s MA Noble Stand will remain empty after the British CEO and his two sons William and Edward died on New Year’s Eve.
Holding panoramic views of the 170-year-old ground and looking straight down the pitch over the sidescreen, they are some of the best seats in the house.
Three prime seats at the SCG (ground pictured on Thursday) will remain empty for the fifth Ashes test in Sydney after British CEO Richard Cousins and his sons died in a seaplane crash
Mr Cousins, 58 (pictured) was killed when the seaplane he was on plunged into the Hawkesbury River on New Year’s Eve, killing his entire family
The cricket-mad family’s trip to Australia was built around attending The Ashes, and Mr Cousins and his sons were at the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
The SCG confirmed the seats would stay vacant throughout the five-day match that began on Thursday as a tribute to the family.
‘It was fitting that those seats were left empty today,’ the ground said.
England’s Barmy Armyalso paid tribute to their compatriots, who died along with Mr Cousins’ fiancee Emma Bowden, her 11-year-old daughter Heather, and Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan.
Mr Cousins’ sons Ed, 23, and Will, 25, (left to right) were also killed in the New Year’s Eve tragedy
Mr Cousins’ fiancee Emma Bowden (R) and her 11-year-old daughter Heather (L) also died in the seaplane crash
The supporters held a minute’s silence before their social matches against teams of Australian supporters on Wednesday.
‘It’s very sad to hear of the loss of any cricket fan around the world especially when it’s so close to home,’ Chris Millard told the Daily Telegraph.
‘The family was over here like thousands of Barmy Army and other English cricket fans to watch the England team and to pass in such a tragic way is awful.’
Mr Cousins’ brothers Simon and Andrew arrived in Sydney on Thursday to recover the bodies, just as the seaplane’s mangled wreckage was raised from the river.
‘We are fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received from across the world,’ they said.
‘We have now arrived in Australia and as the investigation continues we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved for their dedication and commitment.’
The SCG confirmed the seats would stay vacant throughout the five-day match that began on Thursday as a tribute to the family
Mr Cousins’ brothers Simon and Andrew arrived in Sydney on Thursday to recover the bodies, just as the seaplane’s mangled wreckage was raised from the river (pictured)
The pair also thanked four men who heroically tried to save the family minutes after the plane crashed but were unable to get the doors open underwater.
Mr Morgan’s family also thanked emergency services and the four fisherman for trying to save the veteran pilot who died alongside his passengers.
‘Gareth was a wonderful and caring son and brother who never ceased to make us proud. His loss is devastating,’ they said.
England were all out for 346 early on Friday afternoon hoping to avoid a 4-0 Ashes whitewash after losing the first three matches and saving a draw in Melbourne.