The British parents of two “inseparable” brothers killed in the Grand Canyon helicopter crash said they feel “blessed to have had them” in their lives.
The Rev David Hill and Sandra Hill said sons Jason, 31, and Stuart, 30, were “remarkable people” who will be “deeply missed by so many, many people”.
The younger brother was on holiday with girlfriend Becky Dobson, 27, and his sibling when they were killed on Saturday afternoon in the Arizona tourist attraction.
Three passengers survived the crash, along with the pilot.
The wreckage of the crashed helicopter (Teddy Fujimoto/AP)
In a statement paying tribute to the brothers, from West Sussex, the grieving parents said: “We have a large extended family and Jason and Stuart were always at the heart of it, organising get-togethers and always with time for others.
“If ever either of us came home after a difficult day, Jason or Stuart would be there with a smile or a hug, and that was all we needed to lift our spirits again.
“We always did things as a family and as parents we feel blessed to have had them in our lives.
“Our sons were happy, outgoing people who loved cycling, walking and spending time with family and friends.”
The family said they were in America to celebrate Stuart’s 30th birthday.
“Our hearts go out to Becky’s family at this terrible time and we are praying for the recovery of Jen, Jonathan and Ellie (survivors Jennifer Barham, Jonathan Udall and Ellie Milward).
“It was typical of them that they wanted to be together to celebrate. Jason and Stuart had an incredible bond with each other right from when they were young children.
“We always said they were so close they were like twins and we will find some support in knowing they were with each other to the last. We will thank God every day for having them in our lives.
“Thank you for respecting our privacy at this extremely difficult time.”