(Rightallegiance.com) – In a tragic incident off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida, authorities are intensively searching for a boater involved in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, near Nixon Beach, where the young victim, identified as Ella Riley Adler, was water skiing during a friend’s birthday celebration.
Ella was struck by a center console boat distinguished by its light blue hull, which was seen speeding away westbound from the scene shortly after the collision. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is spearheading the investigation, with spokesperson George Reynaud sharing details of the accident.
“Ella was equipped with a life vest and ski boards, which are standard safety gear for water skiing,” Reynaud explained to local media outlet WSVN. Tragically, despite these precautions, a first responder reported via radio transmission that there was “a lot of blood in the water.”
The search for the boat’s captain continues, with the FWC providing a description of the vessel. “The boat is noted for having multiple white outboard motors and might also have blue or dark blue bottom paint,” the FWC stated. In a bid to gather crucial information, authorities have announced a total reward of up to $20,000, with $5,000 contributed by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers, for details leading to the identification and capture of the person responsible.
Ella, a freshman at Ransom Everglades School, was an active member of the school’s dance team and had a promising future in the arts. According to her obituary, she had performed in over 100 shows with the Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center, including appearances as a ballerina in “The Nutcracker.” Her family highlighted her vibrant presence, noting in a statement, “When she walked into a room, everyone was drawn to her. She loved to dance, her friends, and most of all, her family.”
Her obituary also emphasized her deep connection to her Jewish heritage, describing her as the great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors and a descendant of a line of Jewish leaders committed to faith and tikkun olam, the concept of repairing the world.
The loss of Ella has left her community and peers in mourning. Heartfelt tributes poured into her obituary page, reflecting the deep impact she had on those around her. Lauren Scott, a friend and fellow dancer, recalled, “From her smile to her contagious laugh, Ella’s presence in the studio was uplifting. I never imagined the impact she would have on me.” Another friend, Emma Fayad, added, “No one made me feel so confident and happy to be at school. Ella made you believe and trust in her, and saying goodbye so suddenly is incredibly hard.”
Ransom Everglades School also issued a statement, remembering Ella as a wonderful dancer, an active participant on the speech and debate team, and a valued member of the Jewish Student Association. “Ella was a treasured friend to many here,” the school noted.
The tragedy prompted Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levina Cava to express her condolences on social media, urging the community to honor Ella’s memory by advocating for improved boat safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.