Shoreham Airshow inquest: Who were the victims of 2015 tragedy?
and live on Freeview channel 276
An inquest began at County Hall North in Horsham this week – seven years after the tragedy.
Opening the hearing on Wednesday (November 30), West Sussex senior coroner Penelope Schofield expressed her ‘deepest regret’ that families had been made to wait so long to get answers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDay one of the inquest heard some of the emotional ‘pen portraits’, written by families of the victims. These tributes, accompanied by photo slideshows, continued on Friday (December 2).
This how the 11 victims were remembered:
James (Graham) Mallinson, 72, of Newick
Graham Mallinson, a retired engineer, had driven to watch the Shoreham Airshow and left his car half a mile away in a layby.
His family told the inquest he was a ‘highly respected engineer’ and a gentle man who will ‘always will be remembered for his kindness’.
They added: “He always put others before himself. He was totally reliable, loyal and honest, with a wonderful dry sense of humour. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful husband and father.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA volunteer at the Bluebell Railway, Mr Mallinson was a passionate steam railway enthusiast throughout his life and was also a ‘brilliant photographer’.
His family have been left ‘totally devastated by his loss’ and ‘struggling to come to terms with the shocking circumstances’.
"The family is extremely fragile and it’s an ongoing nightmare. He was so pivotal in such a small family.
"He was following his passions. He was at the right place, doing what he loved to do best, but at the worst possible time.
Matthew Grimstone, 23, of Brighton
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMatthew Grimstonewas travelling on the A27 to play football for Worthing United.
His father Phil told the inquest: “Matthew lost his life due to an aircraft being flown purely for entertainment and for fun.
“This is something we find hard to comprehend and difficult to bear. All his hopes, all his dreams, all the things he never got to do.”
A football fanatic, Matthew played as a goalkeeper and tried his hand at refereeing local football matches. He also took his coaching badges before starting as a apprentice groundsman at Brighton and Hove Albion football club.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMultiple tributes were read out to the inquest, including from his family, friends, work colleagues and his girlfriend – who were ‘ready to make a life together’.
His dad added: "He had an incredible knowledge of random facts. He enjoyed pub quizzes with friends and family.
"He was never flustered and never lost his temper. He was a quiet person with strong and gentle, wonderful presence.
“He was so cruelly taken from us. A young life has been taken so tragically and needlessly.”
Jacob Schilt, 23, of Brighton
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJacob Schilt, another talented footballer, died alongside Matthew. His mum, Caroline, said the pair were ‘completely defenceless’ when the plane crash landed on the road.
She added: “Our lives are tormented. We have missed out on healthy and vibrant son growing into a man. What happened was unthinkable. Our lives were shattered and we will never recover from the effects of that day.”
Jacob was remembered by family and friends as a kind and charming young man, who lit up every room with his ‘tremendous sense of humour and zest for life’.
His mum Caroline told the inquest Jacob was ‘always my little boy and he was my pride and joy’.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe was also a ‘classy, quick and graceful football player’, with heartfelt tributes from former teammates as well people who he met whilst volunteering in Kenya.
When he died, Jacob was working as a delivery driver for Sainsbury’s. The company arranged a charity match with Tesco staff in his memory.
Jacob completed a Geography degree at Portsmouth University, where he met his girlfriend, Megan. He later started his masters at Brighton Uni, with the aim to start a career in town planning.
His family said: "Jacob died in such a tragic and unnecessary way. A void has been left that can never be filled.”
Mark Trussler, 54, of Worthing
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWindow cleaner Mark Trussler had ridden on his black Suzuki Bandit to watch the Vulcan bomber fly at Shoreham.
His daughter Samantha Hollis paid tribute to her devoted father and ‘larger than life, happy go lucky guy’.
She added: “He had many jobs doing building work. He was a handyman and clients always had a nice word to say about him.
"There were no questions asked if something needed fixed.
"If I needed anything, he would be there. I could always rely on my dad. He had a cheeky charm and could chat to anyone.
"He would have been the best grandad.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Trussler’s partner, Giovanna Chirico, said he could ‘turn anyone's bad day into one of laughter and smiles’.
“He was the best partner and father,” she said. “He supported children with every ounce.
“I was very privileged to have met Mark and have children together. We made so many memories. No words we’ll come to close to explain how we feel and the void that has been left.”
Mr Trussler's daughter, Mia, said: "He never got to walk me down the aisle but he'll always be with me. I hope he's proud of me and the person I've become."
Mark Reeves, 53, of Seaford
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCAD engineer, and motorbike enthusiast Mark Reeves, 53, was watching the airshow at the Shoreham Airport junction.