Relatives identify 15-year-old girl killed in water skiing accident in Key Biscayne while searching for boater – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

KEY BISCAYNE, FL. (WSVN) – New details continue to emerge about a horrific on-water accident near Key Biscayne that left a 15-year-old girl dead, as authorities continue their search for the boater responsible.

Relatives on Sunday identified the victim of the Saturday afternoon crash near Nixon Beach as Ella Adler.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the teenager was struck and killed while water skiing.

“She was wearing a life jacket and ski boards on her feet,” said FWC spokesman George Reynaud.

The 15-year-old was celebrating a friend’s birthday on a family boat at the time of the accident.

“A lot of blood in the water,” a first responder said in radio transmissions.

The search continued Sunday for the boat driver, who never stopped.

FWC officials said the boat that struck Adler was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne.

“It will be a white to light blue (vessel) with blue or dark blue bottom color, as well as two wideboard engines, but there could be up to four wideboard engines, based on various witness reports,” he told Reynaud.

Family members described Ella as graceful and loving. She was a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet and a dedicated student at Ransom Everglades School who was proud to be Jewish.

A spokesperson for Ransom Everglades released a statement that reads in part:

“She was a wonderful dancer, was a member of the speech and debate team and a member of the Jewish Student Association. She was a valued friend to many.”

Principal, Ransom Everglades

Authorities said there is a reward totaling up to $20,000 for information about the boater and vessel involved in the accident $5,000 from Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.

If you have any information about this hit-and-run or the boater’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember that you can remain anonymous at any time and may be eligible for a reward. You can also contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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