The pilot involved in a fatal helicopter crash which claimed the lives of a UK couple was likely affected by cocaine withdrawal and an alcohol hangover, an inquest has revealed.

Diane, 57, and Ron Hughes, 65, tragically died when two helicopters crashed mid-air on Australia's Gold Coast on January 2, 2023. The couple, from Neston, Wirral, were visiting relatives when the incident took place.

One of the helicopters was able to land safely on a sand bank, with five of its six passengers suffering minor injuries. However, the second helicopter crashed and four individuals on board died, while three others were critically injured.

Among those who died in the horrific crash were Diane and Ron Hughes, Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36, and Sea World pilot Ashley Jenkinson.

The inquest into th

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