Eddie Jarman’s family was on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in 2020 when an unexpected tragedy occurred. The British-Polish teenager was snorkeling during a round-the-world boating trip in French Polynesia in August of that year. While out on the water, an unlicensed speedboat reportedly struck and killed him. Eddie’s family wanted the boat’s driver charged in his death, but a recent inquest did not end in their favor, leaving them devastated. Now, they may never have the closure they so desperately desire.
Eddie’s family sold their home to pursue the adventure.
According to Times, an inquest heard that the 14-year-old’s parents, Harry Jarman and Barbara Genda, sold their home to take a trip around the world with their children. On August 9, while docked in Opunohu Bay on the island of Mo’orea, Eddie decided to go snorkeling. His parents testified that even though he was snorkeling away from the yacht, his orange snorkel with a red tip was visible to boaters. But that apparently wasn’t the case for everyone.
An unnamed speedboat driver struck the teen.
Eddie’s father recounted his memory of the day to French Polynesian police, according to the Times. Jarman recalled seeing the boat speeding along and commenting.
“I thought, ‘He’s going too fast, much too close to us.’ The boat was practically skimming above the surface of the water. I turned round and thought, ‘He’s crazy,’” Jarman said.
Seconds later, Genda and Jarman heard screaming and saw Eddie floating in the water with a head wound. Shockingly, the driver claimed he had no idea he’d struck a person.
“I thought ‘is that a piece of wood or a coconut or a turtle,” the driver claimed, per the Times. “That’s when I saw a body.”
First responders arrived and administered aid, but Eddie had catastrophic head and chest wounds that proved fatal.
Eddie’s parents claim the boat driver appeared intoxicated.
The couple in the speedboat reportedly told the police they’d split a bottle of wine for lunch and spent the night before drinking into the early hours, the Times reported. When police tested their blood, they did not test positive for alcohol. Unsatisfied, Eddie’s parents petitioned the police to retest, but authorities denied the request.
Additionally, the boat’s driver evidently lacked the required navigation license. Jarman and Genda claimed they tried to get the French Polynesian police to investigate further, but it didn’t happen.
Eddie’s family wanted the boat’s driver to take responsibility for killing their son.
Per the Times, Joe Turner, area coroner for West Sussex, Brighton, and Hove, determined Eddie died from “unsurvivable” hemorrhagic shock and ruptured spleen. Unfortunately for his family, the case did not meet the standard for gross negligence manslaughter.
The conclusion “exhausted” Eddie’s family, who had spent years fighting for their son. For many, the justice system doesn’t always seem just. But if the evidence doesn’t meet the standards, a court can’t convict a person based on emotion.
Although it’s unclear whether the driver offered an apology to the family, an acknowledgment might bring them some peace. Nothing will bring Eddie back, but admission of regret could bring some closure.
