The boater indicted of badly striking a Florida teen in a Miami-area bay over the weekend claims he was not aware of the accident and is deeply upset to find out of his potential involvement, according to his attorney on Thursday.
Boater Accused of Fatally Striking Florida Teenager
Ella Adler, 15, tumbled while wakeboarding close to Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday and was waiting for her boat when she was hit by other vessels that did not halt, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stated.
The FWC captured a boat suspected to be involved in the hit-and-run and determined the owner and operator on Wednesday as a 78-year-old Coral Gables resident, who is cooperating with the inspection.
No charges have been filed. The man's attorney, Lauren Krasnoff, issued a video declaration on Thursday in answer to several media questions.
"This is a tragedy, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Ella Adler's family and friends," Krasnoff said.
"Since this is an ongoing investigation with which he is fully cooperating, he will not be making any public statements except to express his profound devastation at learning he might have been involved in this tragic event," she continued.
Boater had Extensive Experience and was Well-Acquainted with the Bay
Krasnoff described the man as a "very experienced boater" familiar with the bay. He was alone on his boat on Saturday and "had no knowledge whatsoever of being involved in an accident," she said.
"If he had struck Ella that day, he was completely unaware," she said, adding that he "would have stopped immediately" had he known. "He docked his boat in plain view behind his house and was unaware of the accident until officers arrived at his home," she said.
Krasnoff noted that the boater does not drink and was sober on Saturday. He is "deeply saddened by the loss of this intelligent, accomplished, and beautiful young woman," she said.
Krasnoff stated that the boater will pursue to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the continuous inspection.
The FWC announced on Tuesday that it had located a boat matching the description provided by witnesses. The 42-foot Boston Whaler has been moved to an FWC evidence facility, the agency said.
FWC officers have requested that anyone with information or footage related to the incident contact them.
Ella Adler was the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium
Ella, the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler, was remembered fondly by her family, friends, and community.
Services were held for her, attended by hundreds, and she was recognized by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Ella was a freshman at Ransom Everglades High School and a gifted ballerina with the Miami City Ballet.
The Miami City Ballet and Ransom Everglades School conveyed their deep grief over Ella's loss and extended condolences to her family. The US Embassy to Belgium also offered its deepest condolences to the Adler family.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the accident to come forward by contacting the Wildlife Alert Hotline or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.
