Paramedics worked for more than an hour to try to save a woman hit by a jetski in a river near Bundaberg on Tuesday afternoon. Photo: Photo: Max Fleet / Bundaberg NewsMail

A 37-year-old woman died from massive head injuries after being hit by a jetski while swimming in a river near Bundaberg on Tuesday afternoon.

In a sad turn of events, the jetski was being ridden by a relative of the woman and was witnessed by other family members, who had all been attending a riverside barbecue at Sharon, about 10 kilometres west of Bundaberg.
Police are investigating the tragedy but believe the woman’s death to be accidental.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said she was pulled from the river by friends and family members and CPR commenced before an ambulance arrived.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate her for more than an hour, however, they were unsuccessful and she died at the scene.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the forensic crash unit was investigating but preliminary information suggested the collision was an accident.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

A post-morterm examination will be undertaken and a report prepared for the coroner.

Bundaberg Police Inspector Kev Guteridge told the Bundaberg News-Mail it was a tragic scene for the woman’s family, who had all been enjoying a family barbecue beside the river.

“This is an absolutely horrendous situation for anyone to be involved in, particularly that there were a number of family members present at the time,” he said.

“I think, honestly, regardless of what time of year it happens when you’ve got a situation like this occurs it is nothing but tragic, (but) having it come along at this time before Christmas when it is a family time to get together and celebrate all the good things about here and about life, it just has to be that little bit worse.”
– by Carolyn Archer

Full article by the Brisbane Times