Two men are facing charges after a tragic accident in Florida led to the death of a 15-year-old girl, Ella Adler. Ella was wakeboarding in Biscayne Bay on May 11, 2024, when she fell into the water, and tragically, a boat struck her. Authorities say that Carlos “Bill” Guillermo Alonso, 79, was piloting the boat that struck Ella, while Edmund Richard Hartley, 31, had been operating the boat that had been towing her before she fell.
The Tragic Incident
Ella was enjoying a day of wakeboarding in Biscayne Bay, located in the Miami area, when the accident occurred. After falling off her board, Ella was struck by another vessel. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) reports that the pilot of the boat did not stop to assist her. As a result, Ella sustained fatal injuries from the impact of the boat and passed away.
The FWC tracked down the vehicle involved in the incident based on witness descriptions. It was later revealed that Alonso, the 79-year-old man, was operating the boat that fatally struck Ella. According to Alonso’s legal team, they were surprised by the charges, as the FWC had initially told them that the incident was not caused by Bill’s actions. Alonso’s attorneys emphasized that he was an experienced and cautious boater, and they questioned the timing and reasoning behind the charges a year after the incident.
Family’s Heartfelt Statement
Ella’s family, in a statement released after her death, described her as a bright star who brought immense joy into their lives in her short 15 years. “Ella was beautiful and shined brightly,” they said. “In her 15 years, she gave us more light than we could have ever dreamed.” The family also asked for privacy during their mourning period.
Charges and Legal Response
Both Alonso and Hartley are now facing charges related to the accident. They are charged with misdemeanor counts of careless operation of a vessel and violating U.S. Coast Guard navigational rules. Alonso’s attorneys have expressed that they will be challenging these charges, as they believe the accident was not a result of any negligence on Alonso’s part.
This heartbreaking incident has raised many questions about boating safety and the responsibilities of vessel operators. It is a reminder of the importance of safety measures, especially when young people are involved in water sports. The legal process is still ongoing, and the families of those involved, as well as the public, await further developments.
