Heartbroken parents head to Thailand after Aussie woman's jet ski death
The heartbroken parents of a young Victorian woman, killed in a jet ski accident, are on their way to Thailand to bring the 20-year-old’s body home.
Emily Jayne Collie suffered serious neck and shoulder injuries when her jet ski collided with another, being driven by her boyfriend, while on holiday in Phuket.
Ms Collie had no pulse after lifeguards pulled her onto the beach, and she sadly died on her way to hospital.
Victorian woman Emily Jayne Collie. Source: 7 News
The 20-year-old’s parents Sally and Ian Collie issued a statement, describing Ms Collie as their “princess”.
“Everything shine bright when she was around,” the Collies said.
“She has left a hole in our hearts.”
Ms Collie's boyfriend and lifeguards tried to save her on the Phuket beach. Source: 7 News
Ms Collie, from Kyabram in regional Victoria, had been on a dream holiday before heading back to university for the 2017 year.
The couple was on the last day of their holiday when the tragedy unfolded.
Ms Collie had just graduated from Charles Sturt University. Source: Facebook
Ms Collie’s boyfriend Tom Keating said he was blinded by the reflection of the sun when they crashed into each other at high speed.
“It’s just a freak, tragic accident, having fun out on a jet ski,” friend Stephanie Morton said.
“It’s just absolutely devastating.”
The pair were holidaying in Phuket, Thailand. Source: Facebook
Tommy worked frantically with lifeguards, who spent 15 minutes administering CPR on the beach, but they were unsuccessful.
”It was so sad to see. Nobody could do anything, I am shocked,” one witness told a local media publication.
Ms Collie and boyfriend Tom Keating. Source: 7 News
Family and friends have taken to social media to remember Ms Collie, who was described as “bright and bubbly”.
“She just had a one of a kind personality,” Ms Morton said.
“She was bubbly, beautiful-natured.”
Ms Collie's partner, Tommy, only suffered minor injuries in the fatal crash. Source: Facebook
"Cannot even accept that this has happened," Steph Hanlon wrote.
"Such a beautiful and strong girl and I feel so blessed to have once been so close with you. Emily Jayne Collie you will forever be loved, hope there's a nice big trampoline up there for you."
Emily Jayne Collie. Source: 7 News
"Rest in peace you gorgeous girl . Its horrible that something as horrible as this can happen," Maddy Louise King added.
"I feel privileged to have had a friend like you Em! You'll never be forgotten and always will be missed," Kaila Grundy said.
