A HAMPSHIRE family has been rocked by a second tragedy in just three years after father of three Neville Moger died in a helicopter crash.

The 45-year-old from Romsey was one of two passengers in the aircraft which nose-dived into a field near Hurstbourne Tarrant, north of Winchester, on Tuesday.

The accident comes just three years after Neville's wife, Julie, suddenly died from a rare condition following a routine operation.

Now the couple's three boys and a close-knit church community are having to come to terms with the second tragedy.

Friends and family paid tribute yesterday to a man who was getting his life back on track after the death of his wife. A statement from his children, Andrew, 16, Mathew, 13, and Paul, 12, said: "He was a selfless and loving man, who will be greatly missed."

Helicopter technician Neville, of Hogarth Close, was an active member at Romsey Baptist Church, where he played in the worship band, welcomed people at the door and ran the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme for youngsters.

Pastoral worker Julie Reeves said: "Neville had done a wonderful job of helping his boys through the death of their mother and it was just amazing the way they were such a lovely family. Even after the tragic death of Julie, he was somebody who had time to help other people. He was a wonderful, friendly person who had a smile for everyone."

She added: "We are all in shock and people are still numb from hearing the news. Our prayers are with the children and family, who were very close."

Neville, a former policeman and sergeant in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, had been married for 20 years when wife Julie was suddenly taken ill after a hysterectomy operation.

She was the first person in British medical history to die of a rare kidney condition called hyponatraemia.

At the inquest into her death, Neville told the Daily Echo her death left "a gaping hole in our lives".

His funeral is likely to be held at the Baptist Church in Bell Street, but no date has yet been announced.