A tragic boating incident occurred on May 11, 2024, in Biscayne Bay off Key Biscayne, Florida. Fifteen-year-old Ella Riley Adler was killed while being towed waterskiing when she fell into the water and was struck by another vessel that did not stop. The incident took place near Nixon Beach Sandbar, a popular spot for water sports.
Ella Adler, a student at Ransom Everglades School in Miami and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team, was also a talented ballerina who had appeared in over 100 productions of 'The Nutcracker' with Miami City Ballet. Her grandfather, Michael Adler, is the U.S. ambassador to Belgium.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified a vessel of interest in the incident as a light blue center console boat with multiple white outboard engines and possibly blue or dark blue bottom paint. The boat is approximately 30 to 40 feet in length.
The FWC, along with other law enforcement agencies, is actively searching for the striking vessel and its operator. Anyone with information related to the incident or footage from the scene is encouraged to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).
The community is in shock and mourning the loss of Ella, who was described as a 'star' and a 'force of nature.' Her funeral services were held on Monday, May 13, at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. The FWC urges boaters to exercise caution while operating vessels near Nixon Beach Sandbar and to keep an accurate lookout for other watercraft and swimmers.
This tragic incident is not the first time that Nixon Beach Sandbar has been the site of a boating accident resulting in injury or death. Since 2013, there have been at least five similar incidents reported. The FWC reminds boaters to adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines while operating vessels in Florida waters.
