The youngest victim of a horror helicopter crash that killed four people has been revealed to be a top student and athletics champion, as her heartbroken family pay tribute to their ‘sweet girl’.
Amber and her ‘dear friend’ Mia Thomas, both 12, were on the ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region when their helicopter crashed at 2pm on Saturday.
The bright student died in the crash along with Mia’s father Troy Thomas, 40, who was piloting the Robinson R44 helicopter before it crashed.
Mia and teaching assistant Maddison Down, 24, survived but were both injured in the crash and are now in serious but stable conditions in hospital.
A spokesman for Amber’s parents Clint and Fiona said they were ‘devastated’ that their daughter was ripped from their lives so young.
Amber (pictured, centre), 12, her father Clint (left) and her mother Fiona (right). The Falcon Primary School valedictorian was killed in a helicopter crash in Broome on Saturday
Amber’s ‘dear friend’ Mia Thomas, 12, (pictured, centre, with mum Sophie, left) survived the horror crash that killed her father Troy Thomas (right) on the weekend
Her heartbroken family have also paid their respects to the bright student on social media.
‘We love you more than life itself sweet, sweet girl. Our world’s will never be the same again,’ Emily Monteiro wrote.
‘Such a beautiful tribute that sums up our sweet Amber Jess so perfectly. Forever in our hearts,’ Taryn Hamilton wrote, sharing an article about her passing.
The 12-year-old was the valedictorian and an athletics champion of Falcon Primary School when she graduated last year with aspirations of studying medicine.
She was a keen sportswoman, and enjoying surfing, netball and cross-country running.
‘Amber was part of a tight Falcon community and the loss of her has devastated anyone that ever knew her,’ the spokesman told The West Australian on Wednesday.
Teaching assistant Maddison Down (pictured), 24, was critically injured in Saturday’s crash. Ms Down was like a ‘big sister’ to Amber and a colleague of Amber’s mother Fiona
Amber was on the Mandurah Junior Council and helped in local events such as Crab Fest, beach clean-ups and NAIDOC celebrations.
Her father Clint is an oil worker and also keen fisherman – something he shared in common with Mr Thomas, who died in the crash.
Meanwhile, Amber’s mother Fiona is a Special Needs Education Assistant at Falcon Primary School, which is where she became friends with teaching aide Ms Down.
A close friend of Amber’s family, Ms Down was accompanying Amber on the helicopter trip to Broome.
‘Maddie (Maddison Down) is like a big sister to Amber who played a very important role in her life,’ the family spokesman said.
Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams said he was ‘sending strength to Maddison Down’ (pictured), who is currently in critical condition in the ICU of Royal Perth Hospital
Ms Down was critically injured in the crash and has been in the intensive care unit of Royal Perth Hospital since the crash, but is now in a serious but stable condition.
Mia was also rushed to hospital after the crash and is now also in a serious but stable condition at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Fiona and Clint wished Mia and Ms Down a speedy recovery while expressing their sadness at Mr Thomas’ death.
Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams paid tribute to Amber and Mr Thomas on Tuesday, saying it was a ‘devastatingly sad situation’.
‘My heart breaks for the families of Troy Thomas and the young local girl tragically killed in Broome over the weekend,’ Mr Williams wrote on Facebook.
‘Troy was loved by so many across our community, and touched the lives of many more. No words can describe our collective grief as a community for the loss of any child.
Amber was also on the helicopter died in the horror crash (pictured)
‘I know there are many people across Mandurah who were friends of both and who are right now grieving their sudden and tragic loss. Please find comfort in one another and know that you are in my thoughts.
‘Sending lots of strength to Mia Thomas and Maddison Down, and lots of love to the families and friends of those that have passed away.’
The revelation that Amber was aboard the flight comes after Ms Down, Mr Thomas and young Mia were identified earlier this week.
Mr Thomas, who was a leading pioneer in the state’s tourism industry and owner of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, has since been remembered as an ‘inspiring father, brother, son and friend’.
The group had been on their way to a family holiday when the aircraft plummeted to the ground shortly after take-off, Nine News reported.
Ms Down (pictured) taught at Falcon Primary School in the Mandurah, south of Perth, which is where Mia and her deceased friend attended, according to The West Australian
Mr Thomas, 40, (pictured) had been driving his helicopter in Broome, WA on Saturday when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff
Mr Thomas was killed in the impact of the crash, and Mia’s friend was flown to Broome Hospital but tragically died two hours later.
Tributes have poured in for the 40-year-old including a heartbreaking message from former West Coast Eagles star and sports commentator, Karl Langdon, who had breakfast with Mr Thomas just hours before his death.
‘To Sophie, the kids and whole Thomas clan I’m mourning with you today. I still cannot believe what has happened,’ he wrote.
‘We lost an inspiring father, brother, son and friend yesterday.
‘Troy you did so much with your life, I met you as a teenager in Mandurah and at 19 you were chartering you own boat Rare Breed.
Mr Thomas (pictured, right, with actor Ernie Dingo) was a leading pioneer in the state’s tourism industry and owner of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
‘You have taken me on many breathtaking adventures, some trips we shared to remote parts of our state and territory that needs to be seen to be believed.
‘You were a leader in your field and we will continue that legacy and we will look after your family.
‘I’m glad I shared breakfast with you yesterday, I’m glad I got to stay with you the last couple of days and we got to chat, reflect and enjoy each other’s company I will remember the time we spent together forever.
‘Love you mate, Rest In Peace.’
Mr Thomas had run the award-winning Horizontal Falls and Seaplane Adventures since 2006.
The crash by the well-respected pilot is now being investigated after the helicopter smashed into the ground in Broome on Saturday (pictured)
The well renowned pilot sold the company last year but was still working as a manager at the time of his death.
Broome Shire Deputy President Desiree Male said his death had rocked the community.
‘I think it will take a long time for our community to heal from the loss of a very well-respected man,’ she said.
Evan Hall, CEO of the Tourism Council, said Mr Thomas worked hard to put the Horizontal Falls on the map.
‘He was a real character, he was very adventurous. He got out there and he did things and he made it happen,’ he said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Thomas (pictured) whose award-winning business helped put the Horizontal Falls on the map