A prominent Australian filmmaker was killed when the light plane he was operating crashed in Victoria’s lonely high highlands.
Friends and coworkers of Mathew Farrell, including Home and Away actress Bonnie Sveen, have praised the Tasmanian’s devotion, which brought him from the dunes of Morocco to the cold tundra of Antarctica.
The television veteran who had worked for ABC, BBC, and Discovery channel had been residing in Tawong, Victoria’s north-east, with his fiancee Kaz.
Mr. Farrell departed the Mount Beauty airstrip on Sunday at noon, en route to New South Wales. When he failed to arrive at his location, however, the alarm was aroused and a search was initiated.
Monday at 10 a.m., rescuers discovered the plane’s wreckage and Mr. Farrell’s body in dense forest near Lucyvale.
After receiving his pilot’s license last year, he had only recently purchased the plane.
Mathew Farrell, an adventure-seeking filmmaker, perished when the small plane he was piloting crashed into lonely wilderness in the Victorian High Country.
Ms. Sveen, 32, who portrayed Ricky Sharp on the soap opera, stated on Instagram that Tasmania had lost a lovely, big-hearted filmmaker this week.
Mat Farrell was a photographer, editor, and jack-of-all-trades who was well-established in the local creative and media communities.
I collaborated closely with him on the short film we did over two years ago, Life Lives On – a concept of mine that could not have been realized without Mat’s tremendous time, insight, and enthusiasm.
He was the cinematographer and editor. I believed (and hoped!) it would be the start of many such endeavors.
Mathew Farrell’s friends and co-workers, including Home and Away actress Bonnie Sveen, have praised the Tasmanian’s zest for adventure, which has taken him from the deserts of Morocco to the icy tundra of Antarctica.
Bonnie Sveen, 32, who portrayed Ricky Sharp on Home and Away, posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her pal.
She wrote, “Sending strength and love to Mat’s fiancee, family, and heartbroken friends.”
What an awful shock it was to lose him so young. Take it easy, Mat… and thank you for what you gave to the world.
The former Hobart Mercury photographer was remembered by newspaper employees for his ‘life-embracing’ personality and his skills as a paraglider, polar explorer, mountaineering guide, and zodiac boat driver, among others.
Former Mercury Head of Vision Daniel Jupe remarked, “Professionally, he was an inspiration to work with; he was devoted, passionate, and dedicated to innovation.”
The former Hobart Mercury photographer was remembered by newspaper employees for his ‘life-embracing’ zeal and skills as a paraglider, polar explorer, mountaineering guide, and zodiac boat driver, among others.
In each of the many fields in which he worked, he not only excelled but also created a pleasant environment for his colleagues.
Mat was one of the kindest and most giving individuals I have ever met.
He accepted existence. He was both daring and considerate; he was both passionate and composed; and he was both eternally excited and fully generous.
“He will be missed by so many people in Tasmania, statewide, and internationally because he touched people in a way that few can and connected with them in a manner that we all hope we could.”
The Australian Cinematographers Society in Tasmania expressed grief at the sudden death of Mathew Farrell.
The Australian Cinematographers Society in Tasmania expressed shock over his unexpected passing.
The club wrote on social media, “On behalf of all ACS Tasmania members, we are horrified and extremely grieved by the untimely demise of Mathew Farrell.”
We extend our sincere condolences to Mat’s family, fiancée Kaz, friends, and coworkers.
Mat will be remembered with great affection in his adopted state of Tasmania, particularly in the filmmaking and media industries, where he was highly regarded.
A buddy also praised Mr. Farrell on his Facebook page.
His friend Monty BB wrote, “Matthew, your zest for adventure was never absent from all you did.”
“Whether it was filming, hang-gliding, rock-climbing, or being in the outdoors, you made it your own, and we were all along for the journey!”
We met many years ago through our shared passion for cycling. Thank you for bringing so much happiness to everyone’s life. Many individuals will miss you.
My deepest and most sincere sympathies to your family and loved ones.