Sea World Helicopter Pilot Experienced 'Breakdown' Before Fatal Mid-Air Crash, Says Fiancée

During a recent hearing, the fiance of a Sea World helicopter pilot testified that he experienced a severe emotional breakdown prior to the fatal collision outside the Sea World theme park on January 2, 2023. She also revealed that he was seen using cocaine the day before the accident.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau had previously reported that the pilot was unlikely to have been directly affected by the drug at the time of the accident.

Nearly three years after the collision between two Sea World helicopters on Australias Gold Coast, testimony provided insight into the pilots mental state in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, which claimed four lives.

On December 2, Kosha Richardson-Johnson spoke at the Coroners Court of Queensland in Brisbane about her fianc Ashley Jenkinsons condition around the time of the crash. According to reports from The Guardian, ABC Australia, and The Sydney Morning Herald, Jenkinsons death along with Vanessa Tadros, 36, and Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 67 from the U.K., were the result of the midair collision.

Richardson-Johnson recounted finding Jenkinson crying in a closet shortly before Christmas 2022. She asked what was wrong, and he responded that he was under immense pressure, marking what she described as a breakdown. Jenkinson, who was Sea Worlds chief pilot, explained that he had been working long hours managing paperwork and preparing new helicopters for the holiday season.

Richardson-Johnson also testified that she observed Jenkinson using cocaine at a New Years Eve party in 2022 around 3 a.m. She noted that he used the drug socially six to eight times per year but did not suspect he was addicted.

Although Jenkinsons autopsy showed traces of cocaine, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded that it was unlikely the substance directly contributed to the crash.

Other witnesses at the hearing confirmed seeing Jenkinson use what appeared to be cocaine at the holiday gathering. Ross Meadows, a close friend and digital marketing director, described observing Jenkinson inhale a white powder around 9 p.m. He called Jenkinson a phenomenal pilot but said he did not feel responsible for reporting the drug use.

Additional hearings concerning the incident are scheduled to continue through December 8. Neither Sea World Helicopters nor the Coroners Court of Queensland immediately responded to requests for comment.

Author: Sophia Brooks