Robe: Elite Sydney-based jet skier dies after crash at Fury on the Bay ocean event

A man has died after a horror jet boat accident at a major national skiing event in the state’s South East at the weekend.

Jet boat crash at water skiing event in RobePicture: Twitter/7 News Adelaide

A man has died after a horror jet boat accident at a major national skiing event in the state’s South East at the weekend.

Father of two Dale Ashton, 30, died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Tuesday from catastrophic head injuries, three days after an accident at a world championships qualifier event at Robe.

It came less than 24 hours after a River Murray fishing trip tragedy near Swan Reach, 171km northeast of Adelaide, which killed one man and led to his cousin being charged.

As detectives investigate both crashes, the water sport’s peak body led tributes to Mr Ashton, an elite Sydney-based skier of the country’s leading skiers who has competed at the world championships.

His New South Wales-based wife, Sarah, of the Hawkesbury area, was too distressed to speak publicly on Tuesday night but has paid tribute to her husband of almost five years on social media.

The boat’s driver, Ben Hackett, 26, also of Sydney, is in a serious but stable condition in the Flinders Medical Centre after the collision with another vessel at up to 100km/h, causing it to “spin out” and become airborne.

The crash came during the final lap of the hour-long men’s open competition of the Fury on the Bay event in Guichen Bay, off Robe, during which he was observer a jet skier, who was uninjured.

Up to 6000 spectators had lined the 5km-long course, which was part of qualifying for September’s World Championships, at Vichy, 164km northwest of Lyon, central France.

In a statement, the Ski Racing Australia board said it was “deeply saddened” by his death and extends “its deepest sympathy to Dale’s family, extended family and friends “.

“(He) was a long-time competitor in the sport,” it said.

“The organisation is offering counselling to all members affected by this incident and encourages members to contact the Ski Racing Australia office if they require further support.”

Ski Racing Australia chief executive, Cameron McConville, said the death was a “big shock” at the “tragic accident”.

“He was experienced person in the sport, experienced observer at that level — he has certainly been around the sport for many years,” he said.

“We are there to support his family at this point.”

Limestone Coast police are investigating.