Three members of ABC team feared dead in helicopter crash
ABC journalist Paul Lockyer, cameraman John Bean and media pilot Gary Ticehurst are believed to have died in a helicopter crash at Lake Eyre in South Australia, the ABC has said.
A statement issued by the network said police had located the wreckage earlier today and are still to identify the helicopter as the ABC’s. Two people have been confirmed dead while a search remains for a third person. They are not expecting to find survivors.
Mark Scott, ABC MD said: “This has been the longest of nights and we fear it will be the saddest of days. Paul, Gary and John have each given decades of service to the ABC. They are passionate about their work and finding great stories from all over Australia to bring to the public.”
“Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of Paul, Gary and John at this terrible time.”
The team was working on news and feature projects in the Lake Eyre region.
This is a tragedy – three of the best and brightest snuffed out in their primes. But (and I fear I might make myself most unpopular here), does anyone else think the ABC has gone just a little over the top in its coverage of this story? Now I know the ABC is entitled to draw attention to its own a little more than if they were from another organisation, but extended lead story in every radio news bulletin today and the entire first half of The World Today?
OK, I’ll retire to the bomb shelter now.
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The ABC is like a family – they are in mourning, as a collective, and this is the most important story today, for them. Is it not understandable?
Credit has to be given that they still carry on professionally, and are still reporting all other news stories that they normally would.
Especially when it is highly likely that they have lost three close friends. Family.
I understand your point, Dan- I just think it is understandable, and wonder how I would react in the same situation.
Probably nothing like how the ABC is doing so. Which, as I said, speaks to their professionalism.
They have lost family. My thoughts are with them all.
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Terrible news. Sorry for all at ABC and families.
@ Dan, you will note that ABC News 24 (should be called News +24) cause it take other feeds, much later….struggles….
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Very sad news. They were doing ABC work, at its best.
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All of them great inspirations.
Would like to call out Gary’s incredible work in the 1998 Sydney-Hobart disaster.
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