Singer Guy Sebastian has shared a heartfelt tribute to the three people who tragically died in a plane crash on their way to the Bathurst 1000, revealing he was close friends with the married couple on board.
On Monday, the Australian musician said he felt lucky to call them friends, describing the couple as “the kindest, most generous people you could ever meet.”
On October 11, Andrew Conners, 55, his wife Julianne, 54, and their close friend Colin McLachlan, 73, were killed after their aircraft went down seconds after take-off from Shellharbour Airport, south of Sydney.
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“The world lost three wonderful people on Saturday,” Sebastian wrote, posting about the tragedy on Instagram.
“Two of which I was lucky enough to know and call my friends. Andrew and Jules Connors were the kindest, most generous people you could know.”
In the heartfelt post, Sebastian revealed he first met Andrew when he needed building working done. Andrew, who owned and piloted the aircraft, had been the owner of Connors Building since 1999.
“I met Andrew 15 years ago, when he told me I was being ripped off for a building job down the south coast,” Sebastian said.
“He did the job for less than a quarter of what I was quoted from other builders.
“That was the start of a friendship and the first of many acts of integrity and honour that I witnessed from Andrew.”
Alongside a string of happy photos celebrating his friends, Sebastian added: “He loved his family and mates.”
Andrew had built shelters for Sebastian’s foundation, which helps women escape violence. He was also a volunteer pilot for the RFDS.
“Andrew and Jules epitomised what it meant to be a shining light in a community,” Sebastian said.
“As a friend, he was always checking in and cheering me on.
“The world is not the same without them.
“Thinking of the families involved and sending love to the Connors and also Colin’s family. Absolutely heartbroken.”
Sebastian’s wife Jules commented on her husband’s post, offering her own tribute: “Such a loss. Very good humans.”
The Piper Cherokee Lance fixed-wing aircraft initially climbed to an altitude of approximately 30m.
“At that point, witnesses [said] the aircraft dipped with its left wing coming down and it contacted the tarmac,” Lake Illawarra Chief Inspector Aaron Wunderlich said.
The plane burst into flames after hitting the tarmac, killing all three aboard.
Footage from the scene shows the aircraft almost completely destroyed, with charred wreckage scattered across the runway.
The trio were remembered as generous, passionate and deeply loved members of the community.
Community mourns tragic plane victims
The trio’s deaths have been described as a “tragic loss for the Illawarra region” as tributes continue to pour in.
Andrew and Julianne Conners, who leave behind two children in their 20s, have been remembered as “beautiful friends” by their friend Lisa Hugo.
“Soo very grateful you chose to visit and stay with us last week in the Hunter and what a week it was, a fantastic time that we will cherish forever,” Hugo wrote on social media.
As two directors of Tumut Valley Holiday Park, the couple were honoured in a statement describing them as “visionary leaders”.
“This unexpected loss has deeply affected all of us,” the statement read.
“Andrew and Jules were not just directors; they were visionary leaders. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the values they embodied.
“As we navigate through this difficult time, we extend our sincerest condolences to the Connors family and friends.”
The construction industry also paid tribute to the couple, recalling how “what started as a client relationship quickly became a genuine friendship”.
“Andrew and Jules, you will be greatly missed,” City Building Approvals Pty Ltd wrote on social media.
“Andrew, that smile, your willingness to help, and your love for life will never be forgotten. Nothing was ever too hard for you, mate.
“You truly lived life to the fullest, and you’ve left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to have crossed paths with you.
“God bless my friend, you’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
