Florida authorities have located a boat that they believe to be connected to a hit-and-run incident that tragically claimed the life of a teenager who was wakeboarding in the Miami area over the weekend.
Fifteen-year-old Ella Adler was wakeboarding near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon when a boat collided with her, according to Officer George Reynaud, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
According to Reynaud, the teenager fell into the water while being towed approximately a mile from shore. She was waiting to be rescued by her boat when another vessel struck her, resulting in her death. The boat that hit her did not stop, as reported by FWC.
After an extensive search, FWC announced on Tuesday that they have located and taken custody of a boat that matches the description provided by witnesses of the vessel involved in the incident. The owner of the boat is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, according to FWC.
According to FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) had mobilized extra resources and made non-stop efforts to locate the vessel.
“In a heartfelt statement, Barreto expressed his deep sorrow for the Adler family, emphasizing the profound impact of Ella’s tragic death on her loved ones and the entire community. Barreto pledged that both the FWC and collaborating law enforcement agencies are fully committed to tirelessly pursuing the truth and ensuring that justice is served in this case.”
The investigation is still ongoing, and FWC has urged anyone with information or footage to reach out to them.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provided a description of the vessel they were searching for in connection with the incident. According to the FWC, the boat in question is a center console boat with a light blue hull. It may have blue or dark blue bottom paint and is equipped with multiple white outboard engines. The length of the boat is estimated to be between 30 and 40 feet. This information will aid in the search efforts.
The investigation offers a reward of up to $20,000 for any information. Both FWC and Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers are offering up to $5,000 each, while Adler’s family is providing a reward of $10,000, according to Reynaud.
“The world suffered a great loss over the weekend as we said goodbye to a true shining star. Ella, with her radiant beauty and vibrant spirit, brought more light into our lives than we could have ever imagined,” expressed Amanda and Matt Adler, Ella’s grieving parents, in a heartfelt statement to ABC News. They further added, “As we grapple with the unimaginable pain of this tragedy, we humbly request the support of the public in aiding us to find the individual responsible for taking our beloved Ella away from us.”
Ella Adler, a student at Ransom Everglades School, a college prep day school in the Miami area, was highly regarded for her exceptional academic performance, impressive dancing skills, and active participation in various extracurricular activities. The school commends her as an outstanding student who is actively involved in the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team.
The statement from the school expressed deep sorrow and devastation caused by the tragedy, acknowledging that the entire community is heartbroken. The school highlighted Ella’s remarkable presence both in classrooms and on stages, emphasizing how she exemplified the school’s mission at Ransom Everglades School.
Adler, a remarkable ballerina, graced the stage of the Miami City Ballet in over 100 captivating performances. Her obituary lovingly described her as a shining star and an unstoppable force of nature.