Tragedy in the Florida Keys: Boater Fatally Strikes 15-Year-Old Water Skier

On Saturday, May 13th, a tragic boating accident occurred in the Florida Keys, leaving a 15-year-old girl dead. The victim, Ella Riley Adler, was water skiing near Key Biscayne when she was struck by a speeding boat that fled the scene.

Tragedy in the Florida Keys: Boater Fatally Strikes 15-Year-Old Water Skier

Authorities are frantically searching for the boater responsible for fatally striking a 15-year-old girl in the Florida Keys on Saturday, May 13th.

The victim, Ella Riley Adler, was water skiing off Key Biscayne near Nixon Beach around 4:30 p.m. when she was struck by a center console boat with a light blue hull. The boat sped away from the scene, leaving Adler critically injured.

Despite wearing a life vest and ski boards, Adler succumbed to her injuries. A first responder at the scene reported a significant amount of blood in the water.

Adler was celebrating a friend's birthday on a family boat at the time of the crash. Witnesses reported seeing the boat traveling westbound from Nixon Beach.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are actively searching for the boat's captain. The boat is described as having multiple white outboard motors and possibly blue or dark blue bottom paint.

Authorities have offered a substantial reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the vessel and boater involved in the crash. Witnesses are urged to come forward and provide any details that may assist the investigation.

Adler was a student at Ransom Everglades School and a member of the dance team. She had a promising future as a ballerina and had appeared in numerous performances with the Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Adler's family remembers her as a vibrant and compassionate young woman who brought joy to everyone she met. She took pride in her Jewish heritage and was a descendant of Holocaust survivors.

Dozens of Adler's friends and family have expressed their grief and shared heartfelt tributes on her obituary page. They describe her as a kind, supportive, and unforgettable friend who will be deeply missed.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levina Cava extended her condolences to the Adler family and called for increased boat safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible boating and the need to protect lives on our waterways.