Comedian Jim Jefferies has shared a touching tribute to his nephew after confirming he’s among those presumed dead in the tragic Queensland army helicopter crash.
The Australian Army chopper was conducting a joint military exercise as part of Operation Talisman Sabre when it crashed in the waters off the Whitsunday Islands at about 10.30pm on Friday.
Search and rescue teams resumed their efforts on Sunday looking for the missing MRH-90 Taipan but believe the crew are unlikely to still be alive.
Captain Daniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs were named by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, as the four involved in the crash – all members of the army’s 6th Aviation Richmond Unit based at the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney.
Lieutenant Nugent is the son of senior NSW Police Force officer Daniel Nugent, who is the brother of Aussie comedian Geoff Nugent – better known by his stage name Jim Jefferies.
The comedian is flying back to Australia from the US to be with family and on Tuesday took to social media to pay tribute to his nephew.
‘On Friday, July 28, my nephew Lieutenant Max Nugent died in a tragic helicopter accident that included three other soldiers: Captain Daniel Lyon, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock, and Corporal Alexander Naggs,’ he wrote.
Australian comedian Jim Jefferies (pictured) has paid tribute to his beloved nephew who is among the four men presumed dead following an army helicopter crash off the Whitsunday Islands
Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent (pictured) is the son of senior NSW Police Force officer Daniel Nugent who is the brother of Aussie comedian Geoff Nugent – better known by his stage name Jim Jeffries
‘My heart goes out to these three families, knowing the pain they are feeling and that their lives will never be the same.
‘I remember the day Max was born. He was my brother and sister-in-law’s first child, and the first grandchild on both sides of his family.
‘He couldn’t have been more loved and welcomed into this world. We had high hopes for Max and he didn’t disappoint.’
The comedian said it was a ‘pleasure’ to watch him grow up to become someone he admired.
‘He’s someone I always admired, and I was so proud to call him my nephew. I still am,’ he wrote.
‘My brother’s family have dedicated their lives to public service working as first responders.
‘This tragedy reminds us of the risks that come with those jobs, and the immense bravery of those who choose to stick their necks out every day so that we feel safe.
‘I wish I had the chance to say goodbye.
‘Max, thank you so much mate. I love you.’
Comedian Jim Jefferies’ (left), his brother NSW Police Force officer Daniel Nugent (centre) and nephew Maxwell Nugent (right) are pictured together
Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent (pictured) is a member of the army’s 6th Aviation Richmond Unit
The comedian is flying back to Australia from the US to be with family and on Tuesday took to social media to release a statement about Max Nugent, who he said was someone he ‘always admired’ and was proud to call his nephew (pictured on US talk show Jimmy Fallon in 2022)
The Nugent family released a statement following his presumed death saying Max achieved his dream as a result of ‘stubborn grit, resilience and a wicked sense of humour’.
‘He embodied the values of integrity and honour, which made him a natural fit for a life of service to others,’ they wrote.
‘He was his Dad’s best mate, they loved to watch sport together. He gave great hugs to his Mum and others by resting his chin on the top of their head.
‘In social settings he was a larrikin and stirrer, happy to set himself up to be the butt of a joke.
‘Our Max fitted so much living into his 24 years. He got to live his dream. He loved flying and army life was everything he hoped it would be.
‘He was straight as an arrow, stubborn, reliable, hilarious, generous and a radiant light in our lives. His loss leaves an unbearable grief in our hearts.’
NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday praised the Nugent family for their dedicated service to Australia.
‘I can only imagine what they’re going through today. It’s just devastating,’ he told Sky News.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said there was a ‘very real sense of poignancy and an anxiety’ associated with the search and rescue.
‘Our thoughts are very much with the aircrew and of course their families,’ Mr Marles told troops participating in the Talisman Sabre drills in Townsville on Sunday.
‘This accident makes very clear what this exercise means, the dangers that are involved, the risks that inevitably come with it.
‘The significance of it all, particularly given the events of Friday night, is made very plain and very clear. We owe all of you an enormous debt of gratitude.’
The parents of Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock, also known as Phillip paid tribute to their son in a statement saying he had two loves in his life, the military and his boys.
‘We have been left devastated by the loss of our son and extend our most heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of Phillip’s crewmates,’ they wrote.
‘Outside of his army career, Phillip was a devoted father and enthusiastic mountain biker.
‘He was an excellent cook, and prepared the family’s Christmas dinner on a number of occasions, with the same meticulous precision he brought to his work – he would shoo us out of the kitchen if we threatened to interfere.’
The partner of Corporal Alexander Naggs called him an inspiration to his family and those around him.
‘Corporal Alexander Naggs will always remain a beloved partner, son, brother and friend,’ his unnamed partner wrote.
‘Alex was a hardworking, generous and kind man who was always there for his mates.
‘Alex was an inspiration to his family and those around him. We are heartbroken to lose him so soon.’
Corporal Alexander Naggs (left) and Troop Commander Captain Daniel Lyon (right) were also identified as two of the men onboard the helicopter
Father-of-three and highly respected senior special operations aircrewman Phil Laycock (pictured) was also onboard
More than 800 personnel across military and emergency services joined the search and rescue mission, including specialist navy divers.
Debris consistent with a helicopter part was found near the crash site on Saturday, with reports the fuselage was among the fragments pulled from the water.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash. The entire MH-90 Taipan fleet have been grounded until further notice.
An exclusion zone remains in place in waters south of Hamilton Island and incorporates waters from the southern tip of Long Island, east to Perseverance Island, south to Cole Island, and west to the mainland at Round Head.
Exclusion zones also extend to 1,000 metres from any military vessel.
Anyone who finds debris is being urged not to touch or handle it and to call police immediately.
The chopper was conducting a joint military exercise as part of Operation Talisman Sabre when it crashed at about 10.30pm on Friday (pictured)
Debris consistent with a helicopter part was found near the crash site on Saturday, with reports the fuselage was among the fragments pulled from the water
The MRH-90 Taipan aircraft is one of the ‘most advanced tactical troop transport helicopters of the 21st century’, according to the Australian Army.
The ADF currently has 47 of the choppers – which can reach maximum speeds of 300km per hour – through the Advanced Helicopter Program for Australia.
The MRH-90 also reportedly has the ‘highest crashworthy standards’.
It comes only a week after Talisman Sabre commenced, with the deputy prime minister kicking off the exercise in an opening ceremony in Canberra.
‘It is a privilege to officially open Talisman Sabre 2023 and welcome all participating nations,’ Mr Marles said on July 21.
US Marines and Australian soldiers have been conducting exercises together in the Whitsundays as part of Talisman Sabre.
It is the Australian Defence Force’s biggest training exercise, involving more than 31,000 soldiers, marines, sailors and pilots from across 13 countries.
Australian and US forces have been joined by officers from Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the UK, France and Germany.
The MRH-90 also reportedly has the ‘highest crashworthy standards’ (pictured, MRH-90 practising winching operations with Aviation Support trainees on the HMAS Adelaide)
Support services for ADF personnel
Defence all-hours support line 1800 628 036
Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608
US pledges to stand by Aussies after Talisman Sabre crash tragedy
For information on how to access mental health professionals 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425)
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) 1800 011 046
Department of Veterans’ Affairs 1800 838 372
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