Teen Killed in Boat Crash, Remembered as Beloved Dancer – NBC 6 South Florida

Just days after a fatal hit-and-run boat accident, a South Florida community is mourning the tragic loss of a 15-year-old girl.

Ella Riley Adler has been identified as the teenager who was struck and killed by a boat while water skiing in Biscayne Bay Saturday afternoon.

Since the tragic incident, there has been an overwhelming response from Adler’s community, including her school and the ballet company she danced for.

Adler performed regularly with the Miami City Ballet, including in The Nutcracker by George Balanchine.

The 15-year-old was described as a well-rounded student – an active member of the Ransom Everglades School dance team, the Jewish Student Association and the speech and debate team.

Ransom Everglades Principal Rachel Rodriguez sent a statement to NBC6 on Monday in response to Adler’s sudden death.

“Our hearts are broken and our community has been devastated by this tragedy. Ella shone in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School,” said Rodriguez. “We extend our deepest condolences to her family and our prayers go out to all who mourn her loss. In this time of unspeakable pain, we are touched by the kindness and compassion of the Ransom Everglades community. “In the coming days and…”In the coming weeks, we will continue to guide ourselves by our core values ​​and provide support and care to the many grieving students and members of our professional community.”

A memorial service for Adler was held Monday at Temple Beth Shalom.

Friends also spoke out and remembered the teenager not only as a talented artist, but also as a beloved young person.

“Special little girl. She was a great dancer. She was my daughter’s best friend. It’s a huge loss. She had such a bright future. “Very sad, very sad,” said Loren Pierson, a family friend.

Fellow students described Adler as well-known and friendly.

“It’s really sad to hear that. I heard she was a really nice girl, was on the dance team and had lots of friends. I can’t imagine the pain they are going through,” said student Miles Gelber.

Miami City Ballet also released a statement about the teenager’s death.

“We at Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School are deeply devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident. Ella Adler was not only a beloved student and a great dancer who graced our stage.” The Nutcracker by George Balanchine; She was an integral part of our family and exuded potential and promise, whose kindness, warmth and infectious joy were known to all,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with Ella’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of learning about this.” and adore her. As we come together, we will deeply mourn the loss of Ella and cherish the precious memories we were fortunate to create with her.”

A witness also provided NBC6 with a photo of the immediate aftermath, which showed what appeared to be a gray yacht next to a police boat. The witness said Adler was water skiing from the gray yacht.

Officials also said the vessel that fatally struck them was described as having a light blue center console, possibly with blue or dark blue bottom paint and three or four white outboard motors. It was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon.

FWC officials also confirmed to NBC6 on Sunday that the teen was not actively water skiing when she was hit.

“She was just in the water with the board at her feet and wearing a life jacket,” an FWC spokesman said.

The FWC is continuing its search for the boat and said a reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest or assisting in the investigation.