THE Injune and Surat communities are mourning the loss of 40-year-old helicopter pilot, Jeff Dean, who was killed while mustering on a property north of Mitchell yesterday.
The incident occurred on the Hartley family’s property, Southlands, 80 kilometres north of Mitchell, at 4.30pm yesterday.
Bystanders conducted CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics but Mr Dean was unfortunately declared deceased at the scene.
Mr Dean was flying a Robinson R22 and had been mustering on Southlands throughout the day. He was heading home at the time of the accident.
Police investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Sandra Hartley said Mr Dean had been working for her family for many years.
“It’s a terrible tragedy and I just feel very much for his mum and his brothers,” she said.
Mr Dean lived in Injune and has close family living in Surat.