Authorities are searching for the operator of a boat that fatally struck a 15-year-old girl who was water skiing near Nixon Beach in the Florida Keys on Saturday. The victim, Ella Riley Adler, was wearing a life vest at the time of the collision and was celebrating a friend's birthday with her family.
Tragedy struck in the Florida Keys on Saturday when a 15-year-old girl was fatally struck by a boat while water skiing. The victim, Ella Riley Adler, was enjoying a day on the water with her family when she was struck by a center console boat with a light blue hull that fled the scene.
Adler, a student at Ransom Everglades School, was a member of the dance team and had appeared in over 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet. Her family described her as a vibrant and compassionate young woman who loved to dance, her friends, and her Jewish heritage.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Adler was water skiing off Key Biscayne near Nixon Beach around 4:30 p.m. when the collision occurred. She was wearing a life vest and had ski boards on her feet.
First responders reported a significant amount of blood in the water, indicating the severity of Adler's injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries.
FWC officers are actively searching for the boat's captain, who was traveling westbound from Nixon Beach. The vessel has multiple white outboard motors and may have blue or dark blue bottom paint. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the identification of the boater responsible.
Adler's family, friends, and community are devastated by her untimely passing. Her obituary described her as a talented dancer, a devoted friend, and a proud Jewish woman. Her spirit and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In a statement, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levina Cava expressed her condolences to the Adler family and called for increased boat safety awareness. She urged the public to honor Adler's memory by practicing safe boating habits to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The FWC encourages anyone with information about the boat or the operator involved in the collision to come forward. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible boating and remind the public to be aware of their surroundings and the safety of other water users.
As the investigation continues, the Adler family and the community mourn the loss of a promising young life while authorities work diligently to bring justice and closure to the case. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety on the water and the preciousness of life.
