The pilot who survived last year's fatal helicopter crash at Sea World on Australia's Gold Coast has lost his battle with cancer.
Michael James, 53, was labelled a "hero" for safely guiding his damaged helicopter to land on a sandbank on January 2, 2023.
The crash happened after two helicopters collided mid-air near Main Beach, with one clipping the rotors of another. Members of the public, including jetski riders and boaties rushed to help the victims before emergency services arrived.
James was spotted pulling people from the wreckage immediately after the crash, before he got treatment for his own injuries.
He was diagnosed with cancer about three months later. A source told 7 News he died on May 24.
Four people died in the crash - the other helicopter's pilot Ash Jenkinson, Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros, and Diane and Ron Hughes from the UK.
Nine others were injured, including Tadros' son Nicholas, who had his right leg amputated from the knee down.
Kiwi tourists Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg, and Edward and Marle Stewart were also injured.
Meanwhile, Winnie Da Silva and son Leon were seriously injured in the crash. Leon suffered brain trauma and was put into an induced coma.
"Our pilot, Michael James, you are our hero," wrote one of the survivors online, as reported by 7 News.
Sea World Helicopters started flights again three months after the crash.
James was farewelled at a funeral on June 4.
