An American jet ski champion was killed in a tragic race accident in the Caribbean over the weekend.
Eric Francis, who was married to Swindon-born Sophie Francis née Perrin, was found dead in the water near his Kawasaki Ultra 310X on Saturday afternoon (25 June).
The watercraft was reportedly found undamaged in Saint-Louis, Guadeloupe, and an investigation remains underway to establish the 36-year-old’s cause of death.
According to The Watercraft Journal, a search party was sent when Eric didn’t check-in for the final stage of the race. His vehicle was later located, and Eric was found unresponsive nearby.
Eric, nicknamed The Eagle, was a quadruple world champion in his P1 AquaX – the largest and fastest-growing watercraft championship in the world.
As well as his wife Sophie, the well-respected rider leaves behind his two-year-old daughter and unborn child at eight months into gestation.
Since his death, P1 AquaX launched a GoFundMe to “help take care of mom and the babies while they deal with the tragedy and loss of Eric”.
A P1 AquaX spokesperson said: “It is unfathomable to think that Eric will not be with us. Our love and thoughts go out to Sophie and her family.
“We want to help her as much as possible and show her we love her and she is not alone. There is a PWC family behind her.
“We have started a GoFundMe account for her. She will be the only person who will have access to any donations. Please do what you can.
“Eric, you are missed dearly.”
