Arabic version: أصدقاء يتذكرون حب الطيار بوب براملي للطيران

According to ABC News, family and friends are remembering Tasmanian pilot Bob Bramley for his passion for aviation after his charter plane reportedly crashed in waters near Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Northern Territory Police believe the 23-year-old died, though a body had not been located.

Search and rescue crews had found “aircraft debris”, but the remote location and poor weather were hampering their efforts. Police began an investigation on Tuesday afternoon after the small Air Frontier charter plane reportedly went down in Angurugu waters.

In a statement, Mr Bramley’s family called him “a beacon of hope” for family, friends and the community. They said they were shocked and heartbroken, while remembering the ideals he championed and celebrating “a life lived to the fullest”.

At 16, after almost losing two close friends in suicide attempts, Mr Bramley became a suicide-prevention advocate. He later undertook a 15,000-kilometre, 40-stop unassisted flight around Australia to raise awareness of youth suicide through a mission called Surviving Turbulence. The 2019 journey generated more than $20,000 for Beyond Blue through private donations and corporate sponsorships.

Former teacher and mentor Lesley Jolly said flying brought him joy, while Devonport Aero Club president Terry Travers said enthusiasm for flying was synonymous with his name. Mr Bramley also developed Tasmania’s first aviation training program for Scouts and became the youngest-ever Tasmanian State Coordinator for Scout Air Activities. His family said he had been flying for a Northern Territory charter company for the past year.