The partner of a young woman who died in a horror boat accident has been charged with her death four months after the tragedy.
British expat Samantha Jones, 32, died when the boat she was traveling in crashed into the riverbank before becoming trapped under trees in the Hawkesbury River at Wilberforce, northwest of Sydney, in February.
The much-loved hairdresser and St John’s Ambulance volunteer died at the scene, despite the frantic efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The alleged driver of the boat, a 38-year-old man, was taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory testing where he reportedly returned a positive result for alcohol.
Police launched an investigation into Jones’ death and arrested the 38-year-old man on Tuesday.
Samantha Jones, 32, died in a horror boat accident on the Hawkesbury River in February.
The boat Ms Jones was traveling in crashed into the river bank before becoming trapped under trees.
The partner of British expat Samantha Jones (pictured) has been charged over the fatal boat accident
He was charged with dangerous navigation causing death and was released on bail to appear at Windsor Local Court on July 11.
His boating license has also been suspended.
Police will allege Ms Jones’ partner Brendan Faithfull was driving the boat when it crashed into the bank of the Hawkesbury River. news.com.au reported.
Faithful delivered a moving eulogy to her “beautiful” partner and “soulmate” at her partner’s funeral in England earlier this year, news.com.au reported.
“Samantha, you truly were the most beautiful person I have ever met,” Faithfull said.
‘I can’t believe you’re gone and I can’t imagine living life without you. I feel blessed by the time we shared and the memories we created.
“You are my soulmate and my best friend forever.”
Ms Jones had been taken in by the tight-knit right-wing community of Hawkesbury on Sydney’s north-western outskirts.
She worked locally as a hairdresser and volunteered as an advanced lifeguard for the Hawkesbury Division of St John Ambulance.
In emotional tributes on a memorial page after Mrs Jones’ memorial service at the Hawkesbury Race Club, one mourner described Mrs Jones as “bright and cheerful, ambitious and hard-working”.
Heartbreaking tributes poured in for Samantha Jones (pictured) in the wake of the tragedy
The Hawkesbury community had embraced Ms Jones, who worked as a hairdresser and volunteered at St John’s Ambulance.
Police allege Ms Jones’ partner Brendan Faithfull was driving the boat when it crashed into the bank of the Hawkesbury River. In the photo is the scene
Another wrote: ‘Thinking of you, always Sam with love, and as I look up at the night sky I will think of you as YOU will be the BRIGHTEST, BRIGHTEST STAR THAT SHINES IN THE SKY.’
“I will always remember you as the happiest and brightest person, always lovely to everyone you meet and full of energy and sunshine,” another mourner wrote.
Ms Jones’ parents and sister wrote a heartfelt message on the dedication page of St John’s Ambulance.
“Our beautiful eldest daughter was tragically taken from us on February 4, 2024 in a boating accident on the Hawkesbury River in Wilberforce, New South Wales, Australia,” the post read.
‘We were very proud when you became an Advanced Responder for the Hawkesbury Division of St John’s after all your hard work, and you loved volunteering for them.
“We still can’t believe you’re gone, we’re so heartbroken.”
They wrote how a collection at Ms Jones’ funeral raised $1,140 (£600), which was split between St John’s Ambulance NSW and St John’s Ambulance UK.