A TALENTED and adventurous teenager died when he was struck by a speedboat while on a round-the-world sailing holiday.

Eddie Jarman was on the trip of a lifetime on board a family yacht in Tahiti in French Polynesia.

The family had sold their home in West Hoathly, near East Grinstead, to go on the adventure.

They were left traumatised when Eddie, 14, went snorkelling to check the anchor and was hit by a speedboat in the South Pacific resort.

“He has made an indelible mark on everyone he has met,” they said.

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Tributes have been paid to the talented teen, who was due to start a scholarship at Hurstpierpoint College in January.

Friends say they have been “especially moved and shocked” at the news, while villagers have offered support to help the family through the grief.

His family including father Harry, mum Barbara and sister Amelie say it has been an “incredibly traumatic” few weeks since the incident on August 9.

They were not able to cremate Eddie, and instead are bringing his body back to the UK.

Eddie loved music and expertly played piano, violin and a double bass, and was never happier than listening to his favourite jazz and bossa nova tracks.

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Mum Barbara said: “Eddie loved music more than anything, he often said that he could not imagine living without music, either playing it or listening to it.”

Others praised Eddie for his commitment, energy and passion on the rugby field.

Now this family are looking to set up a charity in his memory. In a statement they said: “Our dearest son Eddie and a wonderful brother to Amelie, has been tragically killed in Moorea, French Polynesia, on Sunday, August 9.

“He was struck in the water by a speedboat whilst snorkelling.

“Eddie had an amazing zest for life, a lovely boy and so bright with talent and kindness, who loved adventure and the sea.

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“Mature well over his 14 years, he has made an indelible mark on everyone he has met.

"In memory of his life and his love for music we are setting up a trust fund which will fund music and school tuition for talented youngsters.

“In his memory let other children enjoy music as much as he has in his short but wonderful life.”

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The family said the trust will help talented youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds with the cost of specialist music tuition in the UK and French Polynesia to “spread the love of music in Eddie’s name”.

They said that Eddie’s instruments will be put up for auction so they can be put to further use.

An online fundraising page has so far raised nearly £40,000 for the charity. To find out more or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eddie-jarman