The partner of a 20-year-old Australian woman killed in a jet ski crash has appeared before a Thai court, charged with reckless driving causing death.
Emily Jayne Collie, from Kyabram in Victoria, was pulled unconscious from the water at Kata Beach in Phuket on Saturday after the jet ski she had hired collided with another being ridden by her boyfriend, Tommy Keating.
Mr Keating, 22, was arrested after the incident and reportedly told police he was unable to see Ms Collie’s jet ski due to the bright reflection of the sun on the water.
Lifeguards performed CPR on Ms Collie after pulling her from the water until paramedics loaded her into an ambulance and rushed her to a nearby hospital.
She was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Mr Keating was pictured breaking down in the back of the ambulance.
His family has vowed to care for and love him as fiercely as Ms Collie had during their 18-month relationship.
Ms Collie's family have told authorities it was a tragic accident and no one is to blame.
Mr Keating has since taken to Facebook to post a touching tribute to Ms Collie, calling her his “beautiful girl”.
“I love you so much Emily and I wish I could just bring you back into my arms,” he wrote.
“I'm so broken and I know I'll never, never be able to mend.
“You where [sic] such an inspiration to myself and many others! The most beautiful girl I’ve ever met! Inside and out!”
Ms Collie’s family released a statement saying her death has left them devastated.
"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," they said.
"She was looking forward to celebrating her 21st birthday this year and completing her pharmacy degree.
"The family would like to thank everyone for the love and support during this difficult time.
“She left a hole in our hearts.”