A Sydney man whose wife was killed in a helicopter crash on the Gold Coast this week says his son is on life support and "needs all the prayers he can get".
Simon Tadros was watching as his wife, 36-year-old Vanessa Tadros, was killed when two Sea World sightseeing helicopters collided on Monday.
Four people died in the crash, and three others were critically injured, including the couple's 10-year-old son Nicholas.
On social media, Mr Tadros asked for prayers for his son as he fights for life at Gold Coast University Hospital.
"I ask everyone to pray for the little man. He is on life support in a critical condition," Mr Tadros wrote.
"May God pull him back with me and make a good recovery."
Another boy, nine, who was on the same flight, is also in a critical condition at a Gold Coast hospital.
Four others remain in hospital in stable conditions, authorities said on Wednesday afternoon.
Ms Tadros was an event planner and stylist, and designed intricate wedding, christening and birthday displays for families in Western Sydney.
Posting on her business page, her husband informed customers of his wife's death.
"Vee Vee Creations will be closing down," he wrote.
"I will be going through Vanessa's records to see which events have to be refunded or cancelled.
"I'm sorry to anyone that this has inconvenienced."
Tributes are flowing on social media for the "highly respected" mother from Glenmore Park.
An online fundraiser set up for the family by friend Rochelle Fajloun describes Ms Tadros as a much-loved friend and mother.
"We are praying for a miracle that our Nicky, (as he is playfully known) can be brought back to his grief-stricken father Simon," she wrote.
"If by God's grace Nicky survives his catastrophic injuries, he will have an intense and protracted recovery period.
"Simon distressingly witnessed the accident unfold and is totally shattered."
Ms Tadros' friends and fellow parishioners at the St John the Beloved Youth church in Mr Druitt also paid tribute on social media.
"If you knew her, you were blessed. There was not a sweeter soul around. Her son Nicky has a piece of her soul. Pray for him," Chhaya Cignarella wrote.
"Such a beautiful person gone way too soon. Praying for her husband and son!" Julie Tobbagi said.
Samuel Gobraiel lives near the Tadros' home in Glemore Park and described them as an "amazing family".
"Vanessa was a wonderful person, very selfless person. Always smiling," he said.
He said the family had been looking forward to their Queensland holiday.
"It's quite devastatingly sad that this is how it turned out for them," he said.
British couple Diane Hughes, 57, and Ronald Hughes, 65, were also killed in the crash, as was pilot Ashley Jenkinson.
Mr Jenkinson has been praised for his work delivering supplies by helicopter to flood victims in Ballina in March 2022.
He leaves behind a partner and young son.
Alongside them on the same helicopter, which had just taken off from Sea World, was 33-year-old Winnie De Silva and her nine-year-old son Leon from Geelong.
They were both critically injured.
Sea World Helicopters said it would be closed until further notice. The company has suspended bookings on its website.
"Please bear with us during this very difficult time as we process your refund," the website read.
What caused the two helicopters to collide at about 2pm is still under investigation.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said one helicopter carrying seven people was taking off while another helicopter with six people on board was landing at the time of the crash.
The main rotors of the helicopter taking off collided with the landing helicopter and caused "considerable damage" to its front section.
Western Sydney MP Tanya Davies said she was shocked to hear one of the victims came from her local area.
"So often tragedies like these seem so far away from us, but this devastating accident brings to home how precious and fragile life can be," she wrote on social media.
