WA farming stalwart Trevor Badger’s daughter Chelsea pays tribute to her father after plane crash death

The daughter of WA farming stalwart Trevor Badger has paid her own emotional tribute to her father, while describing how her worst fear had come true when she was told of his death in a plane crash. Last Saturday, the 55-year-old was taking his single-seat ultralight Sapphire aircraft for one last flight after the couple spent the morning taking photographs of it, with plans to list it for sale on Gumtree this week. Instead, the aircraft ended up wrecked in one of the main paddocks of the family farm, just off Nyabing-Pingrup Road in Pingrup. Mr Badger’s wife Deborah was the first on the scene. His death rocked WA’s farming community. And as tributes flowed, the family grieved. Son Riaan, 24, rushed down to the farm from Perth and daughter Chelsea, 26, flew home from New Zealand. She has now released a TikTok video documenting that journey with her partner, while sharing her memories. “My biggest fear about living abroad was that something would happen to my parents while I was away,” Chelsea said. “But both of my parents always said to me ‘That is not a good enough reason for me not to go travel and live my life’. “Unfortunately over the last weekend my worst dreams came true. This pain is unlike anything I have ever experienced. “So please, next time you see your parents, hug them tightly and tell them that you love them.” The video was accompanied with poignant footage of the floral tributes the family have received since the tragedy — alongside Mr Badger’s well worn hat. “Rest In Peace, Dad,” was Ms Badger’s message. WA’s farming community was left reeling from the shock death of Mr Badger, who served on the board of Australia’s biggest co-operative CBH Group for 14 years. Mr Badger and his wife have farmed for about three decades at their 6500ha Nanda Downs property. Their cropping program includes wheat, barley, oats and canola while they also run a 9000-head merino flock. Before losing his seat on the CBH board a year ago, Mr Badger was one of the longest-serving directors of the grain-handling co-operative, having first been elected in 2007. He was forced off the board in controversial circumstances but maintained strong support among growers.