Dubai expats mourn loss of 2 former residents killed in Australian plane collision

Dubai residents are mourning the loss of two former members of their community, Pilot David Maddern and his wife Jan Maddern, who tragically lost their lives in a collision between two planes at Caboolture Airfield in Queensland, Australia.

The incident occurred approximately 55 km north of the state capital, Brisbane on Friday. Both were in their mid-sixties.

Jan Maddern, a renowned yoga instructor and author, was known for her transformative yoga classes and fitness books. She was remembered as an inspiring figure, bringing inner peace and balance to countless individuals.

Their passing has deeply affected the Dubai community, where the couple once resided and had many friends. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with heartfelt messages expressing the profound impact Jan and David had on their friends’ lives.

Veronica Nelson posted on the Facebook group “Dubai - The good old days!”: “Jas was a dear friend -- the kindest, most generous soul... Dan was a well-respected pilot.” Tara Walman fondly recalled her first yoga class with Jan in 1994, while Caroline Corey-Thorp shared her memories of the five years she spent learning from Jan, saying, “Jan was my first yoga teacher and an amazing friend; I still talk about her over 20 years later.”

One resident expressed their grief, writing, “So sad to hear this tragic news. I used to know Jan years ago, and she was such a gentle and kind person.” Another person echoed the sentiment, stating, “Such tragic news - everyone here is reeling from the shock and sadness.”

• Look: Hundreds of tearful UAE residents bid final adieu to Queen Elizabeth on board her beloved ship in Dubai