Aussie woman dies in jetski crash with partner in Thailand

A VICTORIAN woman who died in a jet ski crash with her boyfriend in the sea off Thailand has been remembered by shocked friends.

AN AUSTRALIAN woman killed in a “horrible” jetski collision with her partner in waters off the Thai tourist island of Phuket has been remembered as a “gorgeous girl” in a long term and loving relationship.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised about whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of tourist riding jetskis in Thailand who may be unfamiliar with their sheer power.

Emily Jayne Collie, 20, suffered severe neck and shoulder injuries in the crash near Kata Beach late on Sunday afternoon, Thai media reports.

Ms Collie, reportedly from Kyabram, and her partner, who on social media is known as Tommy “Croc” Hunter, had reportedly both hired jetskis.

Emily Jayne Collier with her partner Tommy. Picture: Facebook/Tommy Croc Hunter

The paper reported that the couple smashed into each other after they were both blinded by strong sun light reflected from the sea on the island’s Kata Beach at 4.45pm local time.

Ms Collie was reportedly unconscious when she was pulled out of the sea by lifeguards.

Alongside her partner, they frantically tried to perform CPR but Ms Collie was pronounced dead before arriving at hospital, Bangkok Post reported. Her partner suffered minor injuries.

Tributes have begun to pour in for Ms Collie who, according to her Facebook page, attended Charles Sturt University following her school years at Goulburn Valley Grammar in Shepparton.

Maddy Louise King, a friend of Ms Collie posted on social media that she was shocked by the incident. “Rest in peace you gorgeous girl. It’s horrible that something as horrible as this can happen, especially to someone you know.

“My thoughts go out to Emily’s family and especially her partner.”

Emily Collie in a picture from 2013. Picture: Facebook/Emily Jane Collie

Pictured: Ms Collie’s partner Tommy “Croc” Hunter in an ambulance at the scene. Picture: Peerapong Polpramul/Viral Press

Another friend, Tanarah Higgins, said the tragic smash was “so unexpected”.

“O.M.G. All my love, support and prayers to Emily’s family and friends.”

According to social media, Ms Collie and Mr Hunter, an apprentice plumber, had been in a relationship since 2015. The couple appeared close with multiple photos of the pair online.

Emily Collie and Tommy Hunter in a picture taken last year. Picture: Facebook/Emily Jane Collie

Mr Hunter would frequently comment on Ms Collie’s posts expressing his love for her. As his girlfriend uploaded posts, he would often comment that she was “cute, “pretty” and “my girl”. Ms Collie would unfailing return the compliments and called him “bae”.

When News Corp Australia contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment, it stated: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman who died in Phuket. For privacy reasons, we are unable to provide further information.”

Emily Jayne Collie reportedly died before reaching hospital. Picture: Facebook/Emily Jayne Collie. Picture: Facebook/Emily Jayne Collie

According to Fairfax Media, under Thai law anyone using a jetski is supposed to have a “captain’s permit” but the law is often overlooked to let tourists hire jetskis.

Readers commenting on the Bangkok Post’s story echoed these concerns suggesting too little was being done to ensure the safety of tourists riding jetskis.

“Too many young foreigners without boat driving licenses are riding powerful dangerous jetskis without knowledge and today one young lady lost her life,” said one.

Another said, “Considering the speed of these I've always felt accidents are waiting to happen.”

According to Facebook, Emily Jayne Collie studied at Goulburn Valley Grammar School. Picture: Facebook/Emily Jayne Collie.