Tragic discovery after filmmaker killed in plane crash

Talented cinematographer and pilot Mathew Farrell tragically died on Sunday when his plane crashed in Victoria's northeast.

The 42-year-old was the only person on the aircraft, which went missing on Sunday afternoon and was later found in dense bushland near Lucyvale on Monday morning.

Now, a tragic discovery has been made with his close friend and collaborator Brad Harris telling the ABC that Mathew had marriage papers onboard with him when he died.

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Speaking of Mathew's relationship with fiancée Karen Waller, who is also a pilot, Mr Harris said, "I call them the shiniest couple I've ever met, they were just so perfectly matched and amazing."

"They were planning on getting married, he had the papers in the plane with him.

"It's a tragedy that she only got a year with him — they were just so perfectly suited, perhaps more than any couple I've ever met in my life."

Speaking of his friend, Mr Harris added, "He had the most beautiful heart and was incredibly generous with his time, he'd do anything for anybody if they asked — and even if they didn't ask, if he could see that they needed something he would just go and do it."

Home and Away's Bonnie Sveen shares heartbreaking tribute

Following the tragic news of his death, former Home and Away star Bonnie Sveen, who played popular character Ricky Sharpe in the soap, posted a montage of photos of Mathew along with a heartfelt tribute.

"Tassie lost a kind, big-hearted person and filmmaker this week. Mat Farrell was a photographer, editor and man-of-many-hats – and pretty entrenched in the creative and media communities here," she wrote.

"I worked closely with him on the short film we made nearly two years ago, Life Lives On – an idea I had that simply wouldn’t have come to life without Mat’s generous time, input and passion.

"He was the [Director of Photography] and Editor. I thought (and hoped!) it was the first of many projects we’d get to work together on.

"Sending love and strength to Mat’s fiancée and family and grieving friends. What a horrible shock to lose him so young. Rest easy Mat… and thank you for all you shared with the world."

The Australian Cinematographer's Society – Tasmania said on Facebook it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the tragic loss.

"Always good company, passionate and energetic member of the ACS, we shall miss him," it wrote.

One commented the news was "honestly gut-wrenching".

"Mat's passion, optimism, talent, sense of fun and magnificent and ever-present smile were infectious," the tribute read.

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