Friends of an Australian university student killed in a jet-ski accident in Thailand have paid tribute to her on social media.
Emily Jayne Collie, 20, died after suffering neck and shoulder injuries in a high-speed crash near Kata Beach in Phuket late on Sunday afternoon.
The Charles Sturt University student’s jet-ski collided with one hired by her partner, Tommy Keating.
After hearing the tragic news on Monday, Ms Collie’s friends expressed their shock on Facebook.
“Cannot even accept that this has happened,” Ms Collie’s friend 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 xxxx.”
Mr Keating’s sister, Bree Lyon, told Fairfax Media the family was “absolutely devastated” about the death of “our darling girl with those beautiful curls”.
“From the very moment I met you I loved you, I cherished your genuine heart, and that beautiful smile,” Ms Lyon said.
“I was inspired by you in so many ways, my darling girl, you were so strong and so determined.
“I miss you so much, Emily. I truly do. I love how you loved my brother, the way you looked into his eyes with nothing but pure love, it was the truest thing I’ve ever been grateful to witness.”
Maddy Louise King said Ms Collie’s sudden death was “horrible”.
“Rest in peace you gorgeous girl . Its 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”.
Ms Collie was on holiday in Thailand with her partner. Photo: Facebook/Emily Jayne Collie
Another friend, Kaila Grundy, was shocked by Ms Collie’s death.
“Cant accept the fact that such a beautiful person has been taken away too early i feel privileged to have had a friend like you em! Emily Jayne Collie You’ll never be forgotten and always will be missed fly high girl xxx”.
Ms Collie was reportedly pulled unconscious from the water and lifeguards attempted to revive her but she died on her way to hospital.
Her partner Tommy told local police strong sunlight reflecting off the sea had made it impossible to see her jet-ski, leading to the crash, the Bangkok Post reported.
He suffered minor injuries.
Ms Collie previously went to Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Shepparton and was reportedly from Kyabram, a small town in Victoria’s Goulburn River Valley, about 200km north of Melbourne.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Ms Collie’s family were receiving consular assistance, but no other details would be released for privacy reasons.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman who died in Phuket,” the spokesperson said in a statement.