A leading Australian filmmaker has died after the light aircraft he was piloting crashed in the remote wilderness of the Victorian Highlands.
Mathew Farrell’s friends and colleagues – including home and away star Bonnie Sveen – have celebrated the Tasmanian’s passion, which has taken him from the deserts of Morocco to the polar tundra of Antarctica.
The TV veteran, who had worked for ABC, BBC and Discovery Channel, lived in Tawong, north-east Victoria, with his fiancée Kaz.
Mr Farrell flew into NSW from local Mount Beauty Airport on Sunday midday. However, when he failed to show up at his destination, an alarm was sounded and a search launched.
Rescuers found the remains of the plane and Mr Farrell’s body in thick scrubland near Lucyvale around 10am Monday.
He had only recently bought the plane after getting his pilot’s license last year.
Adventurous filmmaker Mathew Farrell has died after the light plane he was piloting crashed in the remote wilderness of the Victorian High Country
“Tassie lost a kind, kind hearted person and filmmaker this week,” Ms Sveen, 32, who played Ricky Sharp on the TV soap, posted on Instagram.
“Mat Farrell was a photographer, editor and man of many hats – and quite rooted in the creative and media communities here.
“I worked closely with him on the short film ‘Life Lives On’ that we shot almost two years ago – an idea I had that just wouldn’t have materialized without Mat’s generous time, effort and passion.
‘He was him [Director of Photography] and editor. I thought (and hoped!) that it was the first of many projects we would be collaborating on.”
Adventure junkie Mathew Farrell’s friends and colleagues – including home and away star Bonnie Sveen – have celebrated the Tasmanian’s passion, which has taken him from the deserts of Morocco to the polar tundra of Antarctica
Bonnie Sveen, 32, – who played Ricky Sharp on Home and Away – posted a touching tribute to her friend on Instagram
She added: “Sending love and strength to Mat’s fiancé and family and grieving friends.
“What a terrible shock to lose him so young. Rest in peace Mat… and thank you for everything you have shared with the world. ‘
Newspaper workers remembered the former Hobart Mercury photographer for his adventurous spirit that “embraced life” – and whose skills have included being a paraglider, arctic explorer, mountaineer guide and Zodiac boater.
“Professionally, he was an inspiration to collaborate with, he was dedicated and passionate and dedicated to innovation,” said Daniel Jupe, Mercury’s former Head of Vision.
Newspaper workers remembered the former Hobart Mercury photographer for his adventurous spirit that “embraced life” – and whose skills have included being a paraglider, arctic explorer, mountaineer guide and Zodiac boater
“He has worked in so many areas and not only excelled in each one, but also created an environment in which his colleagues have enjoyed working.
“Mat was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever known.
“He accepted life. He was adventurous yet thoughtful, he was passionate, calm, he was endlessly excitable yet totally devoted.
“He will be missed by so many people in Tasmania, interstate and overseas as he has touched people in ways not many can and connected with people in a way we all wish we could.”
The Australian Cinematographers Society in Tasmania spoke of their shock at the sudden death of Mathew Farrell
The Australian Cinematographers Society in Tasmania spoke of their shock at his sudden death.
“On behalf of all members of ACS Tasmania, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mathew Farrell,” the group said in a social media post.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mat’s family, his fiancée Kaz, his friends and colleagues.
“Mat will be fondly remembered by many in his adopted homeland of Tasmania, particularly in the film and media industries where he was greatly respected.”
A friend also paid tribute on Mr. Farrell’s Facebook page.
“Mathew, your passion for adventure has never strayed far from anything you’ve done,” his pal Monty BB posted.
“Whether it was filming, kite flying, rock climbing or out in the wild, you made it your own experience and we all went along!
“We met many years ago through our shared love of cycling. Thank you for all the joy you brought into everyone’s lives. You will be missed by so many.
“My sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family and those close to you.”