Families pay tribute to victims of military helicopter crash

The family of Nugent remembered him as a much-loved person generous person.

The 24-year-old had always aspired to become an officer in the army, they said.

“Becoming an officer in the Army was a long-held dream for our son, brother and partner Max,” the family said in a statement.

“He made that dream a reality through 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.

“His loss leaves an unbearable grief in our hearts.”

Lyon, meanwhile, was remembered as being a “devoted father of two and great mate”.

“Danniel is a beloved husband, devoted father of two and great mate. Danniel’s smile could brighten even the darkest days. His light shone so brightly we cannot imagine a world without it,” his family said.

Naggs’ partner described him as a “beloved partner, son, brother and friend”

“Alex was an inspiration to his family and those around him. We are heartbroken to lose him so soon,” they said.

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“Alex was a hard-working, generous and kind man who was always there for his mates.”

Laycock’s parents, Joseph Wayne and Dianne, said he had two loves in his life: his military career and his three boys.

“Outside of his Army career, Phillip was a devoted father and enthusiastic mountain biker,” they said.

“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.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday confirmed “significant wreckage” of the MRH-90 Taipan has been discovered.

“With every passing hour, it is now clear any hope of finding Captain Lyon, Lieutenant Nugent, Corporal Naggs and Warrant Office Laycock alive has been lost,” Marles said.

“The tragedies that have taken place in the Whitsundays have transferred from those being of search and rescue to an activity of recovery.”

Marles said there will be a full and thorough investigation into the crash but for now, the government and defence force stands with the families of the men.