The parents of a Victorian woman who died in a jet-ski crash in Thailand say they place no blame on her boyfriend, who is expected to be charged over her death.
Ian and Sally Collie said in a statement they did not believe Thomas Keating was at fault in the jet-ski crash. Emily Jayne Collie, 20, of Kyabram died on Sunday at Kata Beach, in Phuket.
The couple say they are "heartbroken beyond words" about their daughter's death and asked to be left to grieve by media. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade circulated the statement for the family on Wednesday night.
"We are in the midst of grieving through the sudden loss of our precious daughter Emily," the statement said.
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"This was a tragic accident. We do not believe anyone was at fault. In particular, we do not place any blame on Tom Keating, who we care about very much and we know loved Emily deeply," they said.
"We are all heartbroken beyond words, and at this extremely sad time, we wish to be together with our family, with Tom, and with other loved ones to grieve and celebrate Emily's life," it said.
Thai lifeguards dragged Ms Collie from the water. They performed CPR on her for 15 minutes but she was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Thai police say Mr Keating, 22, will face charges of reckless driving, causing death.
Mr Keating told police that strong sunlight reflecting from the sea made it impossible for him to see his girlfriend's jet-ski.
Chalit Thintharnee from Thai Police said: "He [Thomas Keating] will report himself to the police and will be charged with carelessness, causing death to another. We will send the case to the prosecutor and the court."
Emily Collie's relatives, including her parents, arrived at a Phuket hospital on Wednesday to identify her body. Her body will be sent back home to Australia this week.
The family met with police, who promised to work with tour operators to prevent similar accidents.
- AAP, Reuters