timezonenews.com
Ella Adler
Authorities in Florida have reported the discovery of a boat suspected to be involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a teenage wakeboarder in the Miami area over the weekend.
Ella Adler, a 15-year-old, was struck by a boat while wakeboarding near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon, according to Officer George Reynaud, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who provided details to ABC News.
The teen had fallen into the water while being towed about a mile from shore and was waiting to be recovered by her boat when another vessel fatally struck her, Officer George Reynaud stated. The boat that struck the teen did not stop, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Following a days-long search, the FWC announced on Tuesday that they have a boat matching the description given by witnesses in their custody. The boat’s owner is cooperating with the investigation, the FWC said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had called in additional resources and “worked around the clock” to locate the vessel, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto stated on Tuesday.
“As a father and grandfather, my heart is broken for the Adler family,” Barreto said in a statement. “Ella’s death is devastating for her family, friends, and the community at large. The FWC and our partner law enforcement agencies will not stop until we have all the answers and the case is solved.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and the FWC has called for anyone with information or footage to contact them.
The vessel sought in connection with the incident was described as a center console boat with a light blue hull, possibly with blue or dark blue bottom paint, and multiple white outboard engines, the FWC said. It was believed to be 30 to 40 feet in length, according to Officer George Reynaud.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information in the investigation. The FWC and Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers are each offering up to $5,000, while Adler’s family is offering a $10,000 reward, Officer George Reynaud said.
“The world lost a star this weekend. Ella was beautiful and shined brightly. In her 15 years, she gave us more light than we could have ever dreamed,” her parents, Amanda and Matt Adler, said in a statement to ABC News. “While we cope with this unspeakable tragedy, we hope the public will help us find the person who took her from us.”
Ella Adler was a student at Ransom Everglades School, a college prep day school in the Miami area. The school described her as an “outstanding student, a wonderful dancer, and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team.”
“Our hearts are broken, and our community has been devastated by this tragedy,” the school said in a statement. “Ella shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School.”
