FacebookEmily Jane Collie was on the holiday of a lifetime in Thailand with her boyfriend when their jet-skis collided, causing the young Australian woman fatal neck and shoulder injuries.
The tragic crash left Collie unconscious. Despite the efforts of local paramedics, who arrived at the scene on Kata beach, Phuket, Emily died before reaching hospital, according to News.com.au.
Local media reports that Collie and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Tommy Lyon Keating, were operating separate jet-skis when the sun’s light reflected on the ocean, blinding them and subsequently causing the collision.
FacebookKeating was left with minor injuries after the crash.
The young Australian couple had been together for two years and were reportedly taking their ‘dream holiday’ together when Keating decided to rent the jet-skis.
Tragically, they were due to fly home later that day.
FacebookSince her death, many tributes to Emily have been posted on social media.
Her boyfriend penned an emotional message, reading, ‘I wish I could just bring you back into my arms…’
Tommy added, ‘I’m so broken and I know I’ll never, never be able to mend…’
My beautiful girl! Taken from us far too soon! 💔I love you so much Emily and I wish I could just bring you back into…
Posted by Tommy Lyon Keating on Sunday, 5 February 2017
Emily’s family also shared a grief-stricken statement, saying:
Emily was our princess, everything shined bright when she was around.
She was the most caring person and deeply loved her family more than anything in the world.
She was looking forward to celebrating her 21st birthday this year and completing her pharmacy degree.
FacebookThis tragic accident has called into question the safety of jetskis and their unrestricted use by those who aren’t made aware of their power.
Under Thai law anyone using a motorised sea-going vehicle is supposed to have a Captain’s Permit but the law is often overlooked to let tourists hire jetskis.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.