Authorities are searching for the individual responsible for a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a teenage ballerina while she was wakeboarding in Florida.
Authorities are searching for the individual responsible for a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a teenage b allerina while she was wakeboarding in Florida.
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The FWC is encouraging witnesses or anyone with information, photos, or footage from the area to step forward.
Authorities in Florida are on the hunt for a boat involved in a tragic hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a teenage wakeboarder in the Miami area over the weekend.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the victim, 15-year-old Ella Adler of Miami Beach, was wakeboarding near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon when the incident occurred. Officer George Reynaud, an FWC spokesperson, informed ABC News that Adler had fallen into the water about a mile from shore while being towed. She was wearing a life jacket and had her wakeboard still attached as she waited to be retrieved by her boat. Tragically, another vessel struck her, causing fatal injuries.
Reynaud expressed the deep tragedy of the situation, stating, "It's a very tragic situation. This is an incredibly difficult time."
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The FWC is calling upon witnesses or anyone with relevant information, photos, or footage from the area to step forward.
"FWC officers are making significant progress in this investigation; however, the public's assistance is still needed," stated the FWC in a Monday statement.
Describing the vessel sought in connection with the incident, Reynaud stated that it is a center console boat with a light blue hull, possibly with blue or dark blue bottom paint, and multiple white outboard engines. It is estimated to be 30 to 40 feet in length.
According to FWC, the boat was last observed heading westbound from Nixon Beach around 4:30 p.m. ET.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information in the investigation: FWC and Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers are each offering up to $5,000, while Adler's family is offering a $10,000 reward, Reynaud confirmed.
The victim's parents have appealed to the public to assist in identifying the individual responsible for their daughter's death.
"Ella was a shining star whose light was extinguished far too soon. In her 15 years, she brought more brightness into our lives than we could have ever imagined," expressed Amanda and Matt Adler, Ella's parents, in a statement to ABC News. "As we grapple with this incomprehensible tragedy, we implore the public to assist us in finding the individual responsible for taking her from us."
Ella Adler was a student at Ransom Everglades School, a college preparatory day school in the Miami area. Described as an "outstanding student, a talented dancer, and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team" by the school, Ella's presence illuminated their classrooms and stages, embodying the essence of Ransom Everglades' mission.
"Our hearts ache, and our community mourns deeply over this heartbreaking loss," the school stated. "Ella's brilliance and spirit enriched our school, and her absence leaves a profound void."
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"We extend our sincerest condolences to her family, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving her departure. In this time of immense sorrow, we are moved by the overwhelming kindness and compassion shown by the Ransom Everglades community," the statement continued.
Ella, a ballerina who graced the stage in over 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet, was hailed as a "star" and a "force of nature" in her obituary.
"We, at Miami City Ballet and the Miami City Ballet School, are devastated by the tragic accident that claimed the life of Ella Adler," stated the Miami City Ballet. "Ella was not only a cherished student and an extraordinary dancer who lit up our stage in 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker,' but she was also an integral part of our family. Her potential, warmth, and infectious joy touched everyone she encountered."
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava remembered Adler as a "bright young soul."
"To the Adler family, my deepest condolences," Mayor Levine Cava expressed on X on Monday. "Let's honor her memory by prioritizing boat safety to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. May she rest in peace."