The boss of Sea World Helicopters has shared a heartfelt tribute to pilot Ashley Jenkinson, who died when two helicopters collided on the Gold Coast this week.

Mr Jenkinson, as well as three of his passengers, died as a result of the crash near Sea World, which critically injured three others.

“Ash Jenkinson, an experienced pilot, who lost his life in the accident was well known to many of us,” Sea World Helicopters owner and director John Orr-Campbell said in a statement.

“To lose a man and a pilot of Ash’s calibre is shocking in every sense of the word. I, along with all the staff at Sea World Helicopters are gutted to the core. My heart aches as I think of Ash’s fiancée Kosha and his one-year-old son Kayden.

“We also mourn the loss of his passengers and cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling.”

The second helicopter involved managed to land on a sandbank and everyone onboard survived.

Press PLAY below to hear Peter Fegan read the tribute in full 

Image: 9News