Wilberforce boat crash: Update on Hawkesbury boat crash that claimed the life of British expat Samantha Jones
The partner of a young woman killed in a horror boating accident has been charged over her death four months after the tragedy.
British expat Samantha Jones, 32, died when the boat she was traveling in crashed onto the riverbank in February before becoming trapped under trees on the Hawkesbury River at Wilberforce in Sydney’s northwest.
The much-loved hairdresser and St John’s Ambulance volunteer died at the scene, despite the best efforts of NSW ambulance crews
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 Ms Jones’ death and arrested the 38-year-old man on Tuesday.
Samantha Jones, 32, died in a horror boating accident on the Hawkesbury River in February
The boat Mrs Jones was in crashed onto the riverbank before becoming trapped under trees
The partner of British expat Samantha Jones (photo) has been charged in connection with the fatal boat accident
He was charged with dangerous navigation causing death and bailed to appear at Windsor Local Court on July 11.
His boating license has also been confiscated.
Police will allege Ms Jones’ partner, Brendan Faithfull, was driving the boat when it crashed on the Hawkesbury River bank. news.com.au reported.
Faithful gave a moving eulogy to his “beautiful” partner and “soulmate” at his partner’s funeral at home in England earlier this year, news.com.au reported
“Samantha, you were truly the most beautiful person I have ever met,” Faithfull said.
‘I can’t believe you’re gone and I can’t imagine living a life without you. I am blessed for the times we shared and the memories we created.
“You are my soulmate and best friend forever.”
Ms Jones had been embraced by the right-wing community of Hawkesbury in Sydney’s north-west suburbs.
She worked locally as a hairdresser and volunteered as an Advanced Responder for the Hawkesbury Division of St John’s Ambulance.
In emotional tributes on a memorial page after Mrs Jones’ memorial service at the Hawkesbury Race Club, a mourner described Mrs Jones as “smart and bubbly, ambitious and hardworking”.
In the wake of the tragedy, heartbreaking tributes flowed for Samantha Jones (pictured).
Ms Jones was embraced by the Hawkesbury community, working as a hairdresser and volunteering for St John’s Ambulance
Police allege Ms Jones’ partner, Brendan Faithfull, was driving the boat when it crashed on the Hawkesbury River bank. Depicted is the scene
Another wrote: ‘I always think of you Sam with love and as I look up at the night sky I will think of you as you will be the brightest, sparkling star that shines in the sky.’
“I will always remember you as the happiest and most bubbly of people, always kind to everyone you met and full of energy and sunshine,” another mourner wrote.
Mrs Jones’ parents and sister wrote a heartfelt message on the St John’s Ambulance dedication page.
“Our beautiful eldest daughter was tragically taken from us on February 4, 2024 in a boating accident on the Hawkesbury River in Wilberforce NSW Australia,” the message read.
‘We were so proud when, after all your hard work, you became an Advanced Responder for the Hawkesbury Division of St John’s, and you enjoyed volunteering for them so much.
“We still can’t believe you’re gone, we are so heartbroken.”
They wrote how a collection at Mrs Jones’ funeral raised $1,140 (£600), which was split between St John’s Ambulance NSW and St John’s Ambulance UK.