MIAMI – Family and friends shared hugs and wiped away tears after a boat crash that killed four people including Kelsie Karpiak, Andy Garcia, and Victoria Dempsey.
The collision happened off Dinner Key Marina around 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
A total of nine people were transported to hospitals. Two victims were flown to Kendall Regional Medical Center, three were taken to Mercy Hospital and four were driven to Jackson Trauma.
At least one of the survivors, 24-year-old Catherine Payan, remained at Ryder Trauma Center surrounded by family members. According to her family Payan suffered a head injury during the accident.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tells Local 10 that three boats crashed in the water.
Sea Tow, which was called to help, estimates the crash happened about a mile and a half away from the marina.
Miami Fire Rescue says three people were discovered in the water and at least two were unresponsive. Rescuers say additional victims were located as the investigation continued.
Investigators have not released the names of the victims. They are still trying to figure out who was on each boat and how many people were involved.
Two children ages 3 and 5 were on board when the boats crashed. They were not hurt and have been reunited with their grandparents.
One boat was towed to Dinner Key Marina with a giant hole in the side and a second was being looked at by FWC but showed no signs of damage.