The 'forgotten tragedy' of September 4

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The 'forgotten tragedy' of September 4

3News NZ

Nine people died in the Fox Glacier accident

Nine people died in the Fox Glacier accident

Two years ago today a skydiving drop zone in Fox Glacier became the scene of one of New Zealand's worst ever air disasters.

Nine people died, five of them locals.

But because the accident happened just hours after the first Canterbury earthquake, it became what some people say was the forgotten tragedy of September 4.

Of course the families and friends of those who died are still living through their loss.

Rodney Miller was one of those who died. He was a director of the sky-diving company involved in the crash.

Yesterday his 17-year-old son Jake spoke to Tristram Clayton about the day he lost his father, sky-diving, and life two years after that terrible day.

Watch the video.

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Comments

6/09/2012 7:15:36 p.m.

S wrote:

There needs to be tougher laws on all outdoor pursuits in NZ for Tourists and school groups etc; The whole industry needs to be relooked at around safety issues.

5/09/2012 10:09:20 p.m.

rina thompson wrote:

Very eloquently spoken Jake. A sad day in NZ's history,our town Fox Glacier, and of course the families concerned...May you live out what you are purposed to to do, honouring the memory of your Dad (Sarge as we knew him) and may Fox Glaciers skies forever continue to host many many more happy ,squealing, thrillseeking visitors on a skydiving adventure...

5/09/2012 5:13:31 a.m.

Neale wrote:

Blue Sky's Rob, great guy and even better skydiver

4/09/2012 9:14:07 p.m.

Jase Bates wrote:

Well done Jake keep the skydive dream alive for the benefit of the sport and sport jumping, tandems and the memory of your dad :)