Search

Aussie Olympian air-lifted to Greece after horror crash

Australian Winter Olympian Belle Brockhoff is recovering in a Greek hospital following a serious crash at a Snowboard Cross World Cup event in Eastern Europe. The 32-year-old world champion sustained a significant injury during her final race of the program on Saturday, crashing at high speed and landing on her coccyx. Brockhoff was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Tbilisi, Georgia, where scans revealed a fracture in her L1 vertebrae. While she was cleared of neurological damage, the severity of her injury required an emergency evacuation to Athens for surgery. Her partner, Georgia, quickly boarded a flight to be by her side, while an Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) medical staffer has been assisting her throughout the ordeal. Brockhoff is expected to remain in hospital for up to two weeks before being cleared to return home to Australia. OWIA chief Geoff Lipshut assured that Brockhoff is receiving the best medical care possible. "Currently, our medical team is working with emergency service personnel and the hospital in Greece to ensure that Belle receives the best care possible," Lipshut said. "We will reassess options together with Belle following surgery over the next 48 hours." Despite the setback, Brockhoff remains in good spirits. Lipshut expressed relief that her partner could join her in Greece to provide additional support. The injury comes as another blow to Brockhoff, who recently recovered from what her surgeon described as "the worst" broken wrist he had ever seen. With just 11 months remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, her latest setback could not have come at a worse time. Brockhoff has a history of pushing through injuries in pursuit of Olympic success. She competed at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics with her knee heavily taped and braced after undergoing ACL removal surgery. More recently, she sought redemption after a heartbreaking fourth-place finish in the women’s snowboard cross final at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Frustrated by her near-miss, she bluntly described her result as “the loser” and expressed disappointment at missing the podium. Her Beijing campaign ended dramatically when she crashed out of the mixed team event, lying motionless on the course before being stretchered off by medics. Now, she faces yet another uphill battle in her journey back to competition. Images: Instagram

Caring

Family breaks silence after five-year-old son fatally hit by car

The devastated family of five-year-old boy Alby Thompson have remembered him for his "laughter and love". The young boy died after being struck by a four-wheel-drive in Broome, Western Australia about 5.20pm last Thursday. The five-year-old was rushed to Broome Regional Hospital where he later died. His family have issued a statement to the ABC on Wednesday and thanked the community for their “outpouring of love". “It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of our beloved son, Alby, who tragically lost his life in a road accident,” the statement began. “His laughter and love filled our hearts and home. “We kindly request privacy during this period of mourning as we come to terms with this devastating loss. “We thank the community for their outpouring of love and support during this heart-wrenching time.” The 34-year-old driver of the Landcruiser is assisting police with inquiries, and no charges have been laid. Image: 7News

Caring

"A miracle": Man walks away from horror crash

A man has walked away with only minor injuries after surviving a horrific crash in Sydney's north. The horrific scene unfolded when the man's car was crushed after he collided with a truck on the Spit Bridge in Manly on Monday morning. The man in his 40s was cut out of the wreckage by firefighters, with NSW Ambulance confirming that he was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital after sustaining minor injuries to his back and neck. Many people were stunned after seeing images of the mangled vehicle, wondering how the driver managed to walk away relatively unscathed. “How good are those first responders to get him out alive. Bloody heroes every single one of them,” one person said, while another added, “That is a miracle.” “So glad he is OK! He should buy a lotto ticket, thank you to the amazing first responses you do an amazing job,” another said. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Andrew Dewberry told <a href="https://manlyobserver.com.au/spit-bridge-closed-after-car-crushed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Manly Observer</a> that the car was "completely crushed and mangled" and it was a "miracle" he survived. Two of three outbound lanes were closed on the bridge for about an hour as emergency crews worked to free the person from the vehicle and clear the scene. Many commuters were stuck in the heavy traffic delays, with dozens of people fleeing standstill buses and trekking along the highway to escape the chaos. Image credits: The Manly Observer

Caring

"This ruined my life": Mum still seeking justice after horror e-bike crash

Sarah was crossing on George Street in Sydney's CBD on February 2023 when she was brutally struck by a Lime e-bike rider. At the time of the accident, she was three months pregnant. Speaking to Yahoo News, Sarah explained she had been crossing the street when she heard someone yell "look out!" but before she could react, she was knocked down by the speeding vehicle. She claims that the bike user was illegally riding with a companion on the handle bars at the time, and fled the scene when she cried out "my baby!" Fortunately, Sarah's unborn daughter was unharmed during the incident, but she was left with lifelong injuries. "My foot was crushed, I had dislocations and many broken bones, and I needed 21 screws, two plates and two pins," Sarah said. "As a result of the injury, the skin on my foot began to die with fracture blisters, so I needed skin grafts as well. "I required six surgeries on my foot in total. One on my elbow, which was broken. One big plate and seven screws. Six weeks of non-weight bearing on my arm, and much longer on my foot. Around 12 weeks plus altogether." It took the mum six months after the accident to be able to walk again - three weeks before she gave birth. "The pain was unbelievable," she recalled. "The trauma was unbelievable. It was all just horrible, horrendous. It really was." Her family tried to seek compensation from Lime, but they deflected any blame saying that they would only take responsibility if the accident was caused by a faulty Lime bike, but not reckless riding. Since Lime e-bikes are rented by individuals, liability typically falls on the rider, not the company, they argued. The family's solicitor had also obtained CCTV footage of the incident, and had tried to get police to follow up but have been hit with multiple roadblocks since. "The police had their name, addresses, mobile and photos. [But] they only called one time, and went to the house one time. That's it. A high commissioner rang me to apologise, but then they still did nothing." Now, Sarah and her family are calling for the total ban of e-bikes in Australia. "They should be banned," Sarah said. "The government and Lime have just let loose motorised vehicles that can hurt riders and pedestrians, and have not covered anyone but themselves. "There is no policing how fast they are going. This ruined my body, my life and my first pregnancy. And nobody has been held accountable." While Sarah's baby was unharmed in the accident, nine months after her birth, the baby girl "was found to have tetralogy of Fallot" — a rare but serious heart defect that affects how blood flows through the heart. "She needed open heart surgery and will need it every 10 years. My injuries made everything a lot harder. But hopefully I can change things," Sarah said. "I'm certainly scarred for life." Image: Yahoo News

Legal

Olympic couple identified in horror plane crash

Two world champion figure skaters are among dozens of casualties killed after a passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter in the US. The mid-air crash happened about 9pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday (1pm Thursday AEDT), when the aircrafts collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. As officials confirmed that rescue efforts had shifted to a recovery operation, two of the first victims identified were Russian Olympians and married couple Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Their son, Maxim Naumov, 23, is also feared to have been on board. Shishkova, 52, and Naumov, 55, won the pairs title at the 1994 world championships and competed at the Winter Olympics twice. It is believed the family were returning home after Maxim had been competing at the US figure skating championships in Wichita, Kansas. Russia’s Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters, many of them the children of Russian emigres to the US, who it said were believed to have been on the plane. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed their death to reporter, saying, "Unfortunately, we see that this sad information is being confirmed. There were other fellow citizens there. Bad news today from Washington." "We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash." The bodies of three US soldiers have also been recovered from the river as the recovery operations remains ongoing. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said at this stage it wasn't known why the two aircrafts collided. "I want to express my sincere condolences for the accident that happened at DCA last night," he said. "We're absolutely heartbroken for the family and loved ones of the passengers and crew members, and also for those that were on the military aircraft." According to Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation, the helicopter crew "very experienced" and had flown the nighttime route countless times before. US President Donald Trump addressed the devastating crash in the White House, located about five kilometres away from the fatal crash site. "As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly," Trump said. "We'll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again." Image credits: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Father and four-year-old son killed in Australia Day crash identified

A father who was killed alongside his four-year-old son in a horror car crash on Brisbane's bayside has been identified as Chris Vrbesic. Emergency services were called to Ransome just before 9am on Australia Day, after a blue Holden Commodore collided with a red Mitsubishi Lancer on Rickertt Road at an intersection. Vrbesic, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene and his son was taken to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he died. The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 29-year-old Birkdale man, suffered minor injuries and was helped by bystanders before he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment. Vrbesic, from Manly West, has been remembered by his friends and loved ones as a "family man" with a "big heart". A friend who stopped by the crash site told The Courier Mail: “I think you’re going to find this will be one of those tragedies … thousands of people it is going to affect.” "He helped so many people, he had such a big f***ing heart." The father-of-three was a project manager at Innate Developments - a company that specialises in residential and commercial construction. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie shared their condolences for the family, saying: "Any life lost on Queensland roads is one too many and we must do anything we can to ensure safety on our roads." "If it's under police investigation obviously police must investigate the circumstances of what happened but there are communities hurting and families hurting." Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the collision. Image: LinkedIn

Caring

Billionaire fashion icon dies in freak accident

Billionaire fashion icon Isak Andic has passed away in a freak accident aged 71. The founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, was hiking with his family members in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona when he fell 100 metres from a cliff. Police confirmed his death after they were called at around 1pm local time on Saturday. Local media outlet El Pais reported that a helicopter and specialised mountain unit were sent to the scene. "Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company, Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, said in a statement. “His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation. “His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” he added. “It is up to us … to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak was ambitious and proud of.” "In these extremely difficult times we share the pain of the family as if it were our own," he concluded in the statement posted onto the fashion brand's website. Andic was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1953 before emigrating to Spain with his family in 1969. He created the fashion line with the help of his brother, Nahman, in Barcelona in 1984, with the brand now operating almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries. Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, paid tribute to the businessman on social media, saying “My condolences to the family of Isak Andic, founder of Mango, on his tragic death in an accident in the Salnitre de Collbató caves." “All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion." Image: Mango Website

Caring

Cold Chisel member's sister dies in tragic accident

Brenda Walker, an award-winning Australian author and the sister of Cold Chisel member Don Walker, has been killed in a horrific accident at Kings Park in Perth. The 67-year-old was crossing Kings Park Road on Tuesday when she was hit by an allegedly speeding driver in a Toyota Yaris hatchback just before 7am on Tuesday. She sustained critical injuries in the incident and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but could not be saved. “She was such a kind, intelligent, caring and generous person who had a positive effect on many lives,” her family told 7News. “She will be dearly missed by many.” Walker was born in Grafton, NSW and studied at the University of New England in Armidale before gaining a PhD in English at the Australian National University. She moved to Perth in 1984 and was a Winthrop professor of English and cultural studies at the University of Western Australia. A spokesperson from the university has paid tribute to her saying they were deeply saddened to learn of her death. “Our thoughts and condolences are with Professor Walker’s family and friends at this time." A former student also paid tribute on social media, saying: “She was a teacher who changed my life with her great encouragement and her astute methods.” “She got into a lot of corners of my life because you only meet a proper guru every so often. It tends to affect you," he continued. “Brenda’s passing is a massive loss to Australian literature, because there are dozens like me with much the same story, and many many more who have met her through her brilliant writing. Her memory will be a monument.” She has written several award-winning novels including Reading By Moonlight, The Wing of the Night and Poe’s Cat. A 30-year-old man was allegedly driving the Yaris that struck her and was arrested at the scene. He was charged with dangerous driving causing death and appeared at the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Image: news.com.au/ 7News

Caring

Bali tourists killed in freak accident

Two tourists have died and a third has been injured after a freak tree fall at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud on Tuesday. The terrifying moment was caught on camera, with video footage showing the tree trunk unexpectedly snapping and crashing across the footpath in the popular tourist attraction. It also knocked over huge Balinese stone statues and at least a dozen people were seen running away from the spot, and they can be heard yelling "what the f---" and "help". Police said two women, reportedly from France, age 32, and South Korea, age 42, were killed in the freak accident. A third person, another South Korean woman was being treated in the Kenak Medika Hospital. Bali Regional Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Jansen Avitus Panjaitan told local media that sudden heavy rain and strong winds swept across the area and staff were cleaning up the mess of other trees that had fallen when the fourth came down. “At that time, there were many tourists visiting and seeing it, then the tourists ran around to save themselves, but there were some tourists who were hit by trees,” he told The Bali Sun. “For the victims who died or were injured, they are still entrusted and treated at the Ubud Kenak Medika Hospital while waiting for the results of coordination with the Immigration and the victim’s family.” The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary also released a statement explaining that the tree was not old. “With deep regret that a tree fell due to strong winds in the Monkey Forest Ubud area,” they said. “We would like to emphasise that the fallen tree was in healthy condition. “We regularly conduct tree monitoring and pruning as part of our commitment to the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife in the Monkey Forest Ubud. “However, this incident was caused by strong winds and extreme weather conditions beyond human control. We are working closely with authorities to address the situation thoroughly.” The forest will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The protected jungle area is a popular destination among both tourists and residents who often go there to take their wedding photos. Australians make up a large amount of the tourist numbers in Bali, with 155,143 Aussies heading there in July. Image: Instagram

Travel Trouble

"She was the light of our lives": Family's tribute to hero kindergarten teacher

Eleanor Bryant, 43, put herself in harm's way to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/heroic-kindergarten-teacher-identified-after-horror-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">save preschoolers</a> from a water tanker that crashed into the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek on Tuesday. Now, the mother-of-two and speech pathologist has been remembered for her caring and down-to-earth nature by her family. Bryant's husband and his two young kids expressed their grief in a statement, saying they were "devastated by the loss". "She was the light of our lives: a cherished mother, wife, daughter and sister, and beloved by all her family and enormous network of friends," the statement read. "Her infectious smile, sense of humour and passion for life made her a joy to be around. "There is an enormous hole in our hearts today. "We thank the emergency services for their tireless work and the public for their beautiful tributes. "We will miss her like crazy. We thank you for respecting our privacy at this difficult time." Bryant has also been remembered for the impact she has made as a speech pathologist, with mum Becky Burton thanking her for changing her daughter Milla's life. "I've never met someone that was so engaging, so down to earth, so caring and would do whatever it took [to make sure Milla was happy]," Burton said. "[She was] the most beautiful mum and person just taken so tragically." Bryant tragically died at the scene after the crash, while a three-year-old boy was injured and taken to the Royal Children's Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm. He remains in hospital and is in a stable condition. The driver of the truck was also taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition after the "experienced 68-year-old driver is understood to have suffered a medical episode". Parents and family members have since visited the kindergarten and laid flowers and cards as a tribute to Bryant. Family friend Walter Lucas held back tears as he remembered the beloved mother-of-two, saying: "She saved that kid's life.That kid is now going to go off and live their whole life. For her to take her life for that kid, she is more than a hero. "She's a superhero." Clinton Zammit, whose children went to the kindergarten, described the situation as "really sad". "I feel sorry for the woman who lost her life, her kids waking up today and having no mother. An unsung hero to push away kids and not care about anything else but the kids. "It hits home when my kids used to come here and there are other families involved. "We are a close-knit community, we are small but have big hearts and this will affect the community for a while." The pre-school is expected to remain closed for the coming weeks, and ongoing counselling has been offered onsite. Images: Nine

Caring

Heroic kindergarten teacher identified after horror crash

A heroic kindergarten teacher who died saving preschoolers from an out-of-control water tanker that crashed through the school's playground has been identified. Mother-of-two Eleanor Bryant worked with children with special needs at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek in Melbourne’s northwest. Bryant tragically died at the scene after the crash, while a three-year-old boy was injured and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a serious upper-body injury following the incident, Ambulance Victoria said. The driver of the truck, 68, is thought to have had a medical episode and was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition, but police are still investigating the incident. Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling paid tribute to Bryant on Tuesday morning, saying, “She is the mum herself of two really young children. She’s been remembered this morning as a very happy speech pathologist, and mum who loved it here at the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School." “What she did yesterday police are saying was heroic. She was working here at the school looking after a three-year-old boy. It was around 2.30pm when the water truck came hurtling down the road, smashed through the play equipment and it was playtime. “The preschoolers were out on the playground. She’s selflessly put herself in harm’s way … saving the life of the three-year-old. “Sadly, she died at the scene. A little boy was rushed to hospital. He’s got injuries to his upper body. As to why this has happened, the police are still investigating. “The scene is cleared here this morning. They believe the 68-year-old truck driver may have had a medical episode.” McKenzie Water owner Alan McKenzie confirmed that the truck belonged to his company and the driver was understood to have suffered a medical episode, adding that they were "devastated" by the crash and sending their "deepest sympathies" to those affected. Detective Senior Sergeant Christian Von Tunk said initial investigations led them to believe the truck lost control on a bridge about 120m from the kindergarten. “It appears there’s some contact with that bridge — we can see some debris,” he said. “There are also some signs on the left-hand side of the road that appear to have been struck as well." “It’s a tragic set of circumstances which actually could have been a lot worse. This is one of those close calls and I don’t know how only one person has died today.” Image credits: Seven

Caring

6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/shane-rogers-575838">Shane Rogers</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/coltan-scrivner-1475716">Coltan Scrivner</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/arizona-state-university-730">Arizona State University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/shannon-muir-2237282">Shannon Muir</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> The creeping shadows and haunting decorations transform the everyday into something eerie at Halloween. And you might be thinking about scaring yourself with a <a href="https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-horror-movies-of-all-time/">good horror movie</a>. Grotesque imagery, extreme violence, startling jump scares and menacing characters are common elements, making viewers feel fear, dread and disgust. We generally aim to avoid these <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1321053/full">negative emotions</a> in our everyday lives. So why would some people seek them out, and enjoy them, in horror movies? <h2>1. Fear can be thrilling</h2> There is lots of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763423002063">overlap</a> between the emotions of fear and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53533-y">excitement</a>. In both, <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.neuro.051508.135620">stress hormones</a> are released that can produce physical symptoms such as increased heart and breathing rates, sweating and muscle tension. People also feel <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-of-fear-2671696">more alert</a> and “on edge”. Research has <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02298/full">consistently shown</a> people with personalities that crave intense emotional experiences, including fear and excitement, tend to enjoy horror movies. But for more fearful people, the jump scares and violent scenes can be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197535899.001.0001">too intense</a>. This can result in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797620972116">coping behaviours</a> such as looking away or putting their hands over the ears, especially if they are <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000152">highly immersed</a> in the movie. Although, if they also happen to enjoy intense emotion, they may still enjoy the thrill of the ride. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/llpsjbNQIns?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Movie makers work hard to get these ‘jump scares’ just right. And viewers enjoy the thrill.</figcaption></figure> <h2>2. There’s a sense of relief</h2> People may enjoy horror movies because of a <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/7uh6f">sense of relief</a> after a <a href="https://www.the-scientist.com/ts-digest/issue/science-experiments-from-the-afterlife-24-14?utm_campaign=TS_TS%20Digest%202.0%20Promotion&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=329250194&utm_content=329250194&utm_source=hs_email#why-do-some-people-enjoy-horror-movies-72181">scary moment has passed</a>. Watching a horror movie can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, with distinct <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811920300094">peaks and troughs</a> of fear and relief over the course of the film. For example, in the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1396484/">2017 movie It</a> the main protagonists survive a series of scary encounters with a demonic clown. The scary moments are separated by calmer scenes, prompting a rollercoaster of emotions. In the classic <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/">1975 movie Jaws</a>, viewers experience relief from the scary moments, only to be scared again and again. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yFXG5QQYOvg?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Jaws is a rollercoaster of emotions.</figcaption></figure> <h2>3. They satisfy our morbid curiosity</h2> Many horror movies feature supernatural themes and characters such as zombies, werewolves and vampires. So horror movies can help satiate a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886921005183">morbid curiosity</a>. The violence, death, destruction and grotesque elements can provide curious people a safe space to explore things that are not safe (or socially appropriate) in the real world. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbdMMI6ty0o?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Horror movies can help people satisfy their curiosity about death. But why are they curious in the first place?</figcaption></figure> <h2>4. We can work out our limits</h2> Horror movies can reflect our deepest fears and prompt introspection about our personal thresholds of fear and disgust. So some people may enjoy watching them to get a <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/sdxe6">better understanding</a> of their own limits. Watching horror might also be a way to push personal boundaries to potentially become <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/7uh6f">less fearful</a> or grossed out by things in real life. In a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110397">study</a> one of us (Coltan) conducted, horror movie fans reported less psychological distress during the early months of the COVID pandemic compared with people not identifying as a horror movie fan. <h2>5. They can be social</h2> Some people say the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/ebs0000152">social aspect</a> of watching horror movies with others is a big part of their appeal. Watching with others might help some people feel safer. Alternatively, this might help <a href="https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/b8tgs">amplify</a> the emotional experience by <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0223259">feeding off the emotions</a> of people around them. Horror movies are also a common pick as a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/list/ls023286138/">date night</a> movie. Being <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.51.3.586">scared together</a> gives a good excuse to snuggle and take comfort in each other. <h2>6. They give us pleasure in other people’s misery</h2> Horror movies can provide the pleasurable emotion we feel when witnessing the misfortune of others, known as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/schadenfreude">schadenfreude</a>. This occurs most when we feel the person experiencing misfortune deserves it. In many horror movies the characters that suffer a gruesome fate are only side characters. Much of the time these unfortunate souls are made out to be unlikeable and often make foolish choices before their grisly end. For example, in the 1996 teen witch movie <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115963/">The Craft</a>, the character Chris Hooker is portrayed as being cruel to women. Then he dies by being blasted out of a window. Despite the grisly nature of horror movies, a <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-43893-001">study</a> by one of us (Coltan) found horror fans seem to have the same levels of empathy as anyone else. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZvLmyts6cEY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>In The Craft, viewers enjoy witnessing the misfortune of others, particularly if the character is a ‘baddy’.</figcaption></figure> <h2>What do I make of all this?</h2> Horror movies allow us to confront our deepest fears through the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000354">safety of make-believe</a>. People enjoy them for lots of different reasons. And the precise combination of reasons differs depending on the specific movie, and the person or people watching it. What is certain though, is the <a href="https://www.the-numbers.com/market/genres">increasing popularity</a> of horror movies, with <a href="https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-horror-movies-of-all-time/">many</a> to choose from.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/241480/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/shane-rogers-575838">Shane Rogers</a>, Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/coltan-scrivner-1475716">Coltan Scrivner</a>, Behavioral Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/arizona-state-university-730">Arizona State University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/shannon-muir-2237282">Shannon Muir</a>, Lecturer in psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/6-reasons-why-people-enjoy-horror-movies-241480">original article</a>. </div>

Movies

Freddy Krueger at 40 – the ultimate horror movie monster (and Halloween costume)

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-daniel-301018">Adam Daniel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> Movie monsters have captivated audiences since the days of early cinema. They evoke fascination and terror, allowing audiences to confront their fears from the safety of the movie theatre or living room. Arguably one of the most enduring and captivating of these monsters is Freddy Krueger, the villain of the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087800/">A Nightmare on Elm Street</a> series who celebrates his 40th screen birthday this November. Memorably played by Robert Englund, Freddy quickly became a cultural icon of the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his burned face and iconic bladed glove, Freddy’s dark humour and acidic personality set him apart from other silent, faceless killers of the era, such as Michael Myers in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077651/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_6_nm_0_in_0_q_halloween">Halloween</a> or Jason Vorhees in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080761/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Friday the 13th</a>. Written and directed by horror maven <a href="https://theconversation.com/wes-craven-the-scream-of-our-times-46915">Wes Craven</a>, 1984’s A Nightmare on Elm Street garnered positive reviews for its innovative concept: Freddy stalked and attacked his victims in their dreams, making him inescapable and allowing him to tap into their deepest fears. The series (seven films plus a 2010 remake and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0329101/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Freddy vs. Jason</a> spin offs) blended supernatural horror and surrealism with a dark and twisted sense of humour. <h2>Scary … but funny</h2> Humour was key to Freddy’s “popularity”. Both sinister and strangely charismatic, Freddy’s psychological torture of his adolescent victims often oscillated between terrifying and amusing. A famous kill scene from 1987’s <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093629/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors</a> demonstrates this paradox. Aspiring actress Jennifer drifts off to sleep while watching a talk show on TV. In her dream, the host of the talk show suddenly transforms into Freddy, who attacks his guest before the TV blinks out. When Jennifer timidly approaches the TV set, Freddy’s head and clawed hands emerge from the device, snatching her while delivering an iconic one-liner: “This is it, Jennifer – your big break in TV!” Freddy turns his victims’ fears or aspirations – their dreams – against them. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dCVh4lBfW-c?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>‘Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.’</figcaption></figure> <h2>Creating a monster</h2> Craven has shared how the character of Krueger came to life in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1510985/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy</a>, an oral history of the series. He described a childhood experience of seeing a strange mumbling man walking past his childhood home. The man stopped, he said, and looked directly at him “with a sick sense of malice”. This deeply unsettling experience helped shape Freddy’s menacing presence. The character’s creation also emerged from the filmmaker’s interest in <a href="https://www.iflscience.com/nightmare-on-elm-street-was-inspired-by-a-real-life-medical-mystery-60527">numerous reports of Southeast Asian refugees dying in their sleep</a> after experiencing vivid nightmares. In the film, Krueger’s origin story reveals him as a child murderer who was apprehended but released due to a technicality in his arrest. Seeking justice, the parents of his victims take matters into their own hands, and form a vigilante mob. They corner him in his boiler room and burn him alive. But Freddy’s spirit survives to haunt and kill the children of his executioners. <h2>Cultural repression, expressed on film</h2> Film critic and essayist <a href="https://www.cineaste.com/summer2019/robin-wood-on-horror-film-collected-essays-and-reviews#:%7E:text=Freudian%20theory%2C%20a%20crucial%20theoretical,the%20horror%20film%20perpetually%20enacts.">Robin Wood argued</a> horror films often bring to the surface elements society has repressed. These fears, desires, or cultural taboos are not openly acknowledged. But movie monsters act as manifestations of what society suppresses, such as sexuality, violence or deviant behaviour. American academic <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01956051.1995.9943696">Gary Heba</a> argues Freddy is: <blockquote> an example of America’s political unconscious violently unleashed upon itself, manifesting everything that is unspeakable and repressed in the master narrative (perversion, child abuse and murder, vigilantism, the breakdown of rationality, order, and the family, among others), but still always present in the collective unconscious of the dominant culture. </blockquote> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UBrl4H0Uzng?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>Actor Robert Englund calls Freddy Krueger ‘the gift that keeps on giving’.</figcaption></figure> <h2>The monster decades</h2> The 1970s and 1980s marked a golden era for the creation of horror film nasties like Krueger, Myers, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072271/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3">The Texas Chainsaw Massacre</a>’s Leatherface and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094862/?ref_=fn_al_tt_19">killer doll Chucky</a>. Since then, the landscape of horror has shifted, with fewer singular monsters emerging. The diversification of horror sub-genres (zombie virus horror, anyone?), the rise of psychological horror (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7784604/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_4_nm_2_in_0_q_heredi">Hereditary</a>), and an emphasis on human-driven terror (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416315/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_wolf%2520creek">Wolf Creek</a>) or supernatural forces all contribute to this shift. While modern horror continues to thrive, few characters have achieved the same iconic status as Freddy – although some would argue Art the Clown from the recent <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4281724/">Terrifier</a> franchise and the reinvigorated Pennywise from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1396484/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_6_nm_1_in_0_q_it">IT</a> could join this exclusive group. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZuYoEtEI_go?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption>‘Five, six, grab your crucifix.’ A 2010 Nightmare on Elm St reboot failed to fire.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Happy Halloween!</h2> Despite a <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179056/">failed reboot in 2010</a>, the legacy of A Nightmare on Elm Street is strong, having influenced numerous filmmakers with its skilful mix of surrealism and slasher horror. However, it’s the orchestrator of the titular nightmares whose legacy is perhaps the strongest. With each Halloween, new fans choose Freddy for their costume. All it takes is a tattered striped sweater, a brown fedora hat, and a glove with sharp, finger-lengthening blades. Don’t forget makeup to re-create Krueger’s grisly facial burns. Sweet dreams!<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240905/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-daniel-301018">Adam Daniel</a>, Associate Lecturer in Communications, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> Image credits: New Line Cinema - IMDB This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/freddy-krueger-at-40-the-ultimate-horror-movie-monster-and-halloween-costume-240905">original article</a>. </div>

Movies

Young woman dies after horror cruise fall

A woman in her 20s has died after plunging from the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship in the middle of the night. The cruise ship was travelling from Lisbon to Southampton when disaster struck at around 2am on October 12. While air ambulance successfully winched her out of the English Channel, she was pronounced dead at the hospital despite the best efforts of medics. British and French police are now probing the unidentified woman's death, The Sun reported. The ship originally sounded a Man Overboard alert and spotlights were then used to light up the sea, as aircraft from France and the Channel Islands attended the sea. Infra-red cameras were used to locate the woman, who would've struggled to survive in the cold water. At around 3am French time, an emergency alert was issued saying that a person was missing, a coast guard told The Sun. A helicopter was sent to a search area just north Les Casquets rocks, near the Channel Island of Alderney, while a plane from Channel Islands Air Search was sent to the scene from Guernsey, along with lifeboat crews. The £650 million ($A1.2 billion) vessel, which has a crew of more than 1500 and can carry up to 6300 passengers, remained in the area before making its way to Southampton. “A guest on board MSC Virtuosa went overboard on 12 October, while the ship was sailing to Southampton,” a Virtuosa spokesperson said. “The body was later recovered with the involvement of the authorities. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. “Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing further details.” A Hampshire Police spokesperson added: “The investigation is not being managed by UK authorities.” Images: P.Cartwright / Shutterstock.com/ Channel Islands Air Search

Travel Trouble

Michael Schumacher attends first 'public' event since accident

Michael Schumacher has reportedly attended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/michael-schumacher-s-daughter-ties-the-knot-at-luxury-spanish-villa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daughter's wedding</a>, making this his first public appearance in 11 years. Gina Schumacher tied the knot with Iain Bethke at the family’s luxury villa in Mallorca over the weekend, and while Michael's attendance was previously unknown, several outlets have reported that he attended the special event. The Formula 1 icon's wife, Corinna, has kept his condition private since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, with only an extremely small inner circle of people allowed to see him, therefore this marks the first time that Michael has been 'seen' by extended friends and family. The Daily Mail reported that privacy was extremely tight at the event, with wedding guests required to leave their phones at the front door upon arrival. The family also reportedly looked at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away. The success of the event has reportedly raised hopes that the family will consider future opportunities for the Ferrari icon to be seen in public, with more people reportedly being let into the 'inner circle'. Michael's son Mick, who has been dating 23-year-old Danish model Laila Hasanovic for two years, is reportedly engaged to her, and in January it was reported that she had been given approval to visit the F1 legend. Updates on the former racer's health have been few and far between. Late last year, Schumacher's former boss at Ferrari and close friend Jean Todt revealed: "He is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different, and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now, and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That's all there is to say." Corinna also spoke publicly about the accident and her decision to keep Michael's condition private in a 2021 Netflix documentary. "'Private is private’, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible,” she said. “Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael. What he really didn’t like was the press, the people, all the hype around him. That’s not what he wanted. He wanted to do the sport," she continued. In the documentary she also said: “I miss Michael every day. “But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. “Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.” Michael reportedly moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive Spanish villa where Gina's wedding was held in September 2020 according to the Spanish press. According to The Sun, Michael spent much of his recent life at the $50 million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care. Image: Instagram

Caring

"Fresh start" for scalded baby after horror attack

The family of a 10-month-old baby, who suffered severe burns after an unknown man <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/new-details-and-pics-emerge-after-baby-scalded-by-stranger-in-brisbane-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threw a thermos of hot coffee on him</a> in a Brisbane park, is urging police to release more information about the suspect, who is believed to have fled overseas. Queensland Police have been investigating the case since the attack, which took place in Stones Corner, Brisbane. While authorities have confirmed that international law enforcement is assisting with the search, the baby’s parents are asking for more transparency on the case. The family, who has chosen to remain anonymous, visited the park for the first time since the incident on Thursday. Burns from the attack are still visible on their young son's body. “He’s really strong and resilient and brave,” the baby’s mother <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/fresh-calls-from-family-of-baby-attacked-with-hot-coffee-in-brisbane-park-c-16190532" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a>. The visit came just weeks after their son was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital with burns to his face and chest. In celebration of the baby reaching 10 months old, he wore a miniature police uniform given to him by the squad working on his case. Despite the police’s efforts, the parents are concerned about the lack of information being shared with them and the public. “We would just like a bit of assurance that we are on the right track, and (that the offender) is going to get caught,” the father told 7NEWS. He also questioned the process of bringing the suspect back, asking, “How (do) they plan on bringing him back? And if they know where he is in that particular country, is that country working with us?” Queensland Police acting commissioner Shane Chelepy stated that while the police are actively working on the case, they are being strategic with the release of information. “We need to balance our investigative strategies with the need for the community to know what’s going on,” Chelepy explained. As the investigation continues, the family is moving into a new home, hoping for a fresh start after the traumatic event. “I think it’ll just be a nice, new, fresh start after such a difficult month,” the mother said. The father added, “We can’t believe how well he’s doing. He’s so happy and he’s hitting all his milestones.” Police remain committed to locating the suspect and are collaborating with international authorities to bring him to justice. Images: 7News / Nine Network

Caring

Fergie's touching tribute to late mum who died in "cruel accident"

Sarah Ferguson has reflected on her mother's death 26 years on. The Duchess of York took to Instagram to share the emotional tribute to her mother, Susan Barrantes, who died "far too young" in a car crash almost three decades ago. "My much-loved mother Susie died 26 years ago today," she began. The royal shared a series of photos of her mother, including one of them on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony, after Fergie married Prince Andrew in 1986. She also posted framed photos she kept of her mother as well as professional photos that were taken when she was younger. "She was far too young to be taken from us and I often reflect on the fact that at just 61, she was younger than I am now when she died in a cruel accident," Ferguson continued. "I think constantly of her zest for life and her shining spirit. Like all of us, she made mistakes but she taught me to value each and every day and to always seek to treat people with kindness." She ended her post saying: "I miss her greatly." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGEaHBO_ii/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAGEaHBO_ii/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a> </div> </blockquote> Ferguson's daughter, Princess Eugenie, reposted the images to her Instagram story, with her own message. "Miss beautiful Granny Susie," she wrote. The Duchess of York's post was met with messages of love from fans and celebrities alike. "So beautiful," wrote Riley Keough, Lisa Marie Presley's daughter. Actor William Moseley, who starred in The Royals television series left three red heart emojis. "I lost my mother seven years ago, I miss her each and every day. Sending love," wrote one fan. "She is incredibly proud of you, and now it’s clear where you get your kindness from. Sending continued prayers and strength your way," added another. Barrantes, who was a documentary filmmaker, died in a car accident in 1998. Her death came one year after Princess Diana's tragic car crash. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Hunter Valley bus driver finally speaks out over horror crash

The man who was behind the wheel of the deadly Hunter Valley bus crash in June 2023 has finally taken the stand, saying he is deeply sorry for the hurt he has caused the victims and their families. Brett Button, 59, was transporting wedding guests from the reception ceremony at the Wandin Valley Estate back to Singleton when the bus flipped, causing the deaths of 10 people and injuring 25 others. After pleading guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, Button appeared before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hunter-valley-crash-survivor-s-demands-of-killer-bus-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">victim statements</a> from survivors and family members of those who were killed. On Wednesday, Button finally broke his silence on the fatal crash, issuing an emotional apology to all those impacted by the devastating crash. "I've tried to figure out the words to say I'm sorry, but how do you say you're sorry for such a horrible tragic event that has ruined the lives of hundreds of people," he told the court. <div data-component="EmphasisedText"> "I can't forgive myself. I can't believe I caused this, I never meant to cause it and every single person that died and was injured and everyone involved in this, I truly wish it never happened and I could apologise where people actually believe me." </div> "I live with this every day and I hate myself. I've caused parents to have to bury their children, which has been my biggest nightmare all my life, and now I've done it to so many families." "I'm sorry to everyone involved, including the police and everyone, my family — I've shamed everyone." Button also shared with the court that he had been taking the opioid tramadol since 1994, and admitted on the day of the crash, he had taken “in excess” of his prescribed dose of painkillers. When asked by his barrister Paul Rosser KC if he felt he was addicted, Button said he was "certainly dependent", adding that a pain specialist warned Button one year before the crash that he was at risk of addiction. When further questioned, Mr Button said he had no perception on that night the drug had impaired his driving. "I take responsibility for the death and injuries, it was no way purposeful and I wasn't negligent," he told the court. "I didn't do it deliberately." Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents. Judge Roy Ellis will consider 40 victim impact statements as part of his sentencing. Image credits: 7News

Legal

Pilot identified after horror helicopter crash

The young pilot who died after his helicopter plummeted into the roof of a Cairns hotel has been identified. Blake Wilson, a 23-year-old from New Zealand, was flying the twin-engine chopper for only a few minutes before it crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Far North Queensland. Wilson had been celebrating a farewell party with co-workers just hours before the horror incident. Nautilus Aviation, the company that owned the helicopter, confirmed the pilot had worked for them as a ground crew member for about four months and had been celebrating one final day with colleagues before moving to another air base. In an updated statement on Tuesday night, police said initial investigations suggested Mr Wilson, who died at the scene, was the sole occupant of the helicopter at the time of the crash. Following his tragic death, Nautilus Aviation issued a statement saying, “We would like to address rumours regarding a gathering of some Nautilus Aviation employees, including off-duty pilots, on Sunday night.” “We can confirm this event did occur and was a privately organised send-off for the individual involved in Monday morning’s incident, who was recently promoted to a ground crew position at another one of our bases." While the company did not identify the pilot the time, they did reveal they held a New Zealand pilot’s licence. “Although the employee held a New Zealand CPL (H) pilot’s licence, they have never flown in Australia or for Nautilus Aviation and were not authorised to fly Nautilus Aviation helicopters,” company statement read. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy and continue to offer our support to our employees during this very challenging period.” Mr Wilson had moved from New Zealand to Cairns for his flying training to follow his dreams of being a pilot at Christchurch Helicopters. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Heartbreaking update from rollercoaster accident two years on

Two years on from a tragic accident that almost claimed the life of then 26-year-old Shylah Rodden, an investigation into the incident has been brought to a close. In September 2022, Shylah was hit by the moving Rebel Coaster at the Melbourne Royal Show when she allegedly walked onto the tracks to retrieve her phone. The incident cause horrific injuries, leaving Shylah in an induced coma for several weeks. The 28-year-old is still recovering from the accident, with her mother revealing that Shylah can walk and talk but is blind in her right eye and deaf in her left ear. “She has no sense of smell, she has difficulties swallowing, she has cognitive disabilities and impairments,” Kylie Rodden told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/shylah-rodden-rollercoaster-victim-remains-deaf-blind-two-years-after-tragedy/news-story/34ef054346b6eadb86231d7b49d2e7bb" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Herald Sun</a>. “Most of her days are taken up with different types of therapies.” The mother said her daughter’s “whole life has changed” after the devastating accident. The update on Shylah's recovery comes after WorkSafe Victoria confirmed a lengthy investigation into the incident that injured Rodden had ended and no further action would be taken. “After careful consideration of the evidence, WorkSafe has determined not to take further action against any duty holder on this matter at this time,” a spokesperson said. Rodden’s family said they were left “disappointed” by the decision. “At this stage, we have only received a letter from WorkSafe advising that their investigations are complete and that they have decided not to bring a prosecution against the ride operator,” Sharlene Mehta, Rodden’s lawyer and associate with Arnold Thomas and Becker, said. “We have not received a copy of WorkSafe’s report so we have no knowledge of what their investigations covered, or who was interviewed as part of their investigations." “WorkSafe did not interview Shylah, nor her family in relation to the incident.” Mehta said they were told there is an option to call on WorkSafe to reconsider its findings and potentially undertake further investigation, but they will not make a decision until they get a copy of the findings. “The incident has had far-reaching impacts on Shylah. Whilst her recovery has been miraculous, Shylah’s injuries will carry lifelong impacts,” Mehta said. Image credits: 7News

Caring

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Aussie Olympian air-lifted to Greece after horror crash

Family breaks silence after five-year-old son fatally hit by car

"A miracle": Man walks away from horror crash

"This ruined my life": Mum still seeking justice after horror e-bike crash

Olympic couple identified in horror plane crash

Father and four-year-old son killed in Australia Day crash identified

Billionaire fashion icon dies in freak accident

Cold Chisel member's sister dies in tragic accident

Bali tourists killed in freak accident

"She was the light of our lives": Family's tribute to hero kindergarten teacher

Heroic kindergarten teacher identified after horror crash

6 reasons why people enjoy horror movies

Freddy Krueger at 40 – the ultimate horror movie monster (and Halloween costume)

Young woman dies after horror cruise fall

Michael Schumacher attends first 'public' event since accident

"Fresh start" for scalded baby after horror attack

Fergie's touching tribute to late mum who died in "cruel accident"

Hunter Valley bus driver finally speaks out over horror crash

Pilot identified after horror helicopter crash

Heartbreaking update from rollercoaster accident two years on

Our Partners