Former Home and Away star Bonnie Sveen has shared a heartfelt tribute to a friend who was lost “so young” after he tragically died in a plane crash in Victoria’s high country.
Photographer, filmmaker and adventure seeker Mathew Farrell, 42, was piloting the plane – and was the sole occupant – when it crashed in remote bushland.
Bonnie Sveen, who played Ricky Sharpe on Home And Away.
(Image: Getty)The aircraft was reported overdue on Sunday afternoon according to an Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson. Not long after a search between Mount Beauty and Corryong began and Mathew was found dead at the scene.
Home and Away star Bonnie, who played Ricky Sharpe, took to Instagram following the news to share a collection of behind-the-scenes photos of Mathew while filming in Lutruwite back in late 2020.
“Tassie lost a kind, big-hearted person & filmmaker this week,” she wrote.
“Mat Farrell was a photographer, editor and man-of-many-hats – and pretty entrenched in the creative and media communities here.”
She continued: “I worked closely with him on the short film we made nearly 2 years ago, Life Lives On – an idea I had that simply wouldn’t have come to life without Mat’s generous time, input and passion.
“He was the DOP and Editor. I thought (and hoped!) it was the first of many projects we’d get to work together on.”
She then sent her condolences to the loved one Mat has left behind.
“Sending love and strength to Mat’s fiancée and family and grieving friends. What a horrible shock to lose him so young. Rest easy Mat… and thank you for all you shared with the world.”
She departed Home and Away in 2016.
(Image: Getty)Numerous fans commented on her Instagram post to share her grief.
“Oh no very king soul taken to soon lost for words will be missed,” one wrote.
“A superb human who had a positive energy that was absolutely inspiring. Sending love to all in Lutruwite who will be feeling this loss,” another added.
Mathew’s close friend, Brad Harris told ABC News: “He was an adventurer.”
“He was used to taking risks and confronting risks and confronting fear, just like all outdoorsy people.
“He was a very thorough, very technically-minded kind of guy.”
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