The helicopter company involved in Monday's search for missing teenager Samuel Lethbridge has returned the money the 17-year-old's father paid to launch a desperate hunt for his missing son.
Skyline Aviation Group, who operate flights out of Lake Macquarie Airport, were approached by 51-year-old father-of-three Tony Lethbridge to help find the missing teen.
Link Lee Mitchell of Skyline Aviation Group was part of the search that located Samuel Lethbridge. Photo: Supplied
Recounting the events, Mr Lethbridge told Fairfax Media on Tuesday that he was going to get into the air "no matter what" and entered the airport full of hope clutching $1000 cash.
"When Tony first came to the office our CEO wasn't here so our staff offered our services for as long as required for the $1000 offered, and we launched the helicopter in good faith and without payment," director Lee Mitchell said.
However, once their son had been taken to John Hunter Hospital on Monday, Mr Lethbridge and his wife returned to the airport to pay for company's services.
But on Wednesday, Skyline Aviation made the decision to immediately return that money to the family.
"Under the circumstances we believe there has been enough stress on the family and that any additional financial stress was unwarranted," Mr Mitchell said.
"We recognise that the family will have many medical expenses in the future and wanted to contribute where we can."
Link Emergency services officers work to cut Samuel Lethbridge from the wreck of his car. Photo: Michael Lethbridge
Mr Mitchell, who was in the air with Samuel's uncle, Michael, when they located the car, also revealed details of the frantic search for the missing teenager.
"Once we began the search, the roller coaster of emotions were obvious on the family and were put into overdrive when we found the car," Mr Mitchell said.
Link Tony Lethbridge hired a helicopter to search for his missing son, Samuel. Photo: Simone De Peak
"Obviously we were ecstatic when the signal from the ground was [indicated] that Sam was still alive, even though we were unaware of his condition.
"We have been very lucky to be able to help this family in their time of need and are looking forward to meeting Sam once he is well enough."
Link The Skyline Aviation helicopter used to search for Samuel Lethbridge. Photo: Michael Lethbridge
Mr Lethbridge told Fairfax Media on Thursday his son had been released from intensive care and his condition was slowly improving.
Surgery to fix his arm on Wednesday had been successful but further surgery to his injured leg would be required on Friday.
Link Samuel Lethbridge with his sister Megan. Photo: Supplied
Sam's sister, Megan, also posted a Facebook tribute to the helicopter company.
"Just wanted to let everyone know as if skyline aviation hasn't done enough for my brother and family, they have refunded the $1000 to my family for the flight to find my brother," she said.
"It's hard to believe that there is still some wonderful people in this world.
"I thank you again from the bottom of my heart."
CalRipkenForCommish on January 18th, 2018 at 22:32 UTC »
Great follow up story, the guy was desperate and it all ends well.
By the way, that guy looks pretty much what I think all Australian men look like. Probably just finished wrestling a few kangaroos after biting the heads off 7 of the 10 most dangerous snakes in the world while out there in the bush.
mayfleur5 on January 18th, 2018 at 21:45 UTC »
Chartering a helicopter is pretty expensive to begin with. Good on them :)
_PingasAtKingas on January 18th, 2018 at 20:58 UTC »
Just a brief outline of the story - a 17 year old was expected somewhere and when he didn't arrive his parents immediately sought help and turned to a private helicopter company to conduct an aerial search. They eventually found their son in bushland having been involved in a car accident, injured but alive. When the parents went to pay their fee the company waved it away as goodwill.