Grieving boyfriend of jet-ski crash victim set to face charges of reckless driving
The grief-stricken boyfriend of a Melbourne woman who was killed in a freak Thailand jet-ski accident is expected to face charges of reckless driving causing death over the incident.
A heart-broken Tommy Keating, 22, wrote in a touching Facebook post that he will “never be able to mend” after his 20-year-old girlfriend Emily Jayne Collie was killed when their two jet-skis crashed just off Kata beach in Phuket on Sunday.
After the incident Mr Keating told local media strong sunlight reflecting off the water and made it impossible to see the jet ski of his girlfriend.
All details surrounding the fatal crash are still being investigated but the Phuket News reported on Monday evening that Mr Keating will be charged with reckless driving.
“Police have today confirmed that the 22-year-old boyfriend of the Australian woman killed when their jet-skis collided at Kata Beach yesterday evening is to face charges of reckless driving causing death,” they reported.
Mr Keating of Melbourne said he and Ms Collie, of Kyabram in Victoria, had made plans for the future together.
“I'm so broken and I know I'll never never be able to mend,” Mr Keating wrote on his Facebook page.
“I'll always be your boy and you'll always be my girl! We had so many plans for our future Emmy.
“I love you so much Emily and I wish I could just bring you back into my arms.”
Friends of the "fun-loving" couple flooded their Facebook accounts with support for Mr Keating as he posted photos of the girl who he said will always have his heart.
Among all the support was a tribute from someone who witnessed the ordeal.
"You don't know me but I am the girl who was by your side at the beach yesterday," Diane Borremans wrote.
"I just wanted to say that i am so sorry for this great loss you have to go trough. Cant stop thinking about it and it will be in my mind for the rest of my life. I realy hoped that she was going to make it."
Anna Kaddell was one of many friends to express their sorrow.
"Absolutely broken-hearted for you Tommy and families," Ms Kaddell wrote.
"Emily was a beautiful girl and you were a beautiful couple and now you have your own guardian angel watching over you," Ashley Kercher added.
"She was also a beautiful girl and we're sorry for your loss. The whole club and your mates are here for you," Mel Gourlay said.
Meanwhile Ms Collie’s devastated parents are on their way to Thailand to bring their daughter’s body home.
The 20-year-old’s parents Sally and Ian Collie issued a statement, describing their daughter as their “princess”.
“Everything shone bright when she was around,” the Collies said.
“She has left a hole in our hearts.”
