MIAMI – A family was grieving on Mother’s Day Sunday after a 15-year-old girl died during a boat collision on Saturday off Key Biscayne. The boater never even stopped.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been searching for a light blue center console boat since the operator struck struck and killed the waterskier near the Nixon Beach Sandbar around 4:40 p.m.
The victim has been identified as Ella Adler.
“We are searching for a vessel that we are told is a center console, light blue, possible blue bottom paint with two or possibly up to four outboard engines,” said Officer George Reynaud, a spokesman for FWC.
Police officers and fire rescue personnel also responded to the Bill Baggs Cape State Park and assisted with the search. FWC asked anyone with information about the case to call 1-888-404-3922.
“This is a very tragic situation,” Reynaud said.
According to an online obituary, Ella was a student at Ransom Everglades High School and is the granddaughter of Michael Adler, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium.
“Our hearts are broken and our community has been devastated by this tragedy,” Ransom Everglades Head of School Rachel Rodriguez said in a statement Monday. “Ella shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School.
“She was an outstanding student, a wonderful dancer and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and our prayers are with all who are mourning her loss.
“In this time of unspeakable pain, we have been moved by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community. In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to lean into our core values and provide support and care to the many students and members of our professional community who are grieving.”
A public post memorializing the young girl says in part, “In her 15 years on this earth, she dazzled us with her light. She emanated love and joy. She was beautiful.”
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Mercedes Cevallos contributed to this report.