Marlborough funeral planned for Kiwi woman Gayleen McEwan killed by Carribean jet blast

Blenheim woman Gayleen McEwan died in Sint Maarten on July 13 after hitting her head on concrete when she was hit by a blast from a jet aircraft. Photo / Facebook

A funeral will next week be held for a Blenheim woman killed on holiday in the Carribean after a jet blast caused her to fall over and hit her head.

Gayleen McEwan died in a Sint Maarten hospital during a holiday with her husband and friends on July 13.

The 57-year-old had been watching jets take off at Princess Juliana International Airport at Maho Beach when a blast reportedly toppled her onto concrete.

The strength of the aeroplane blasts caused during takeoff has been described as being strong enough to topple a truck, and following McEwan's death others have spoken out about their injuries received while watching the planes.

An investigation was underway by local authorities, although the island's Ministry of Tourism said at the time McEwan would have been aware of the risks involved.

A sign warns of jet blast dangers at the fence where Sint Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport meets Maho Beach. Photo / File

Signs at the aiport's border warns people about the dangers associated with the activity and local police said visitors were regularly told about the risks.

McEwan and her husband Phillip own a Blenheim motel, and have three daughters.

A neighbouring Marlborough hotel will host her funeral on Wednesday, according to a notice published in a local newspaper, and a private cremation would be held afterwards.

The notice said McEwan, a grandmother, was a "cherished and loving person".

"There are no words to describe our great loss and we will forever have a piece missing in our hearts," it said.

Family declined to comment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the New Zealand High Commission had been providing consular assistance but declined to provide further information due to "privacy considerations".