Authorities Locate and Seize Boat Involved in Tragic Accident of Young Skier

Florida authorities have located the boat involved in the tragic accident that claimed the life of 15-year-old skier Ella Adler, whose driver fled the scene. Agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified and seized the vessel that fatally struck the young girl.

“Officials have made significant progress in this investigation. However, it remains ongoing, and we still need the public’s assistance. Our thoughts are with Ella Adler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” FWC stated in a press release.

FWC Seeks Public Assistance

The incident was highlighted when Only in Dade posted a video showing two FWC boats escorting a third vessel that matched witness descriptions of the tragedy. Despite this progress, FWC investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the accident or has video footage or information to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

Adler was practicing wakeboarding near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon when the fatal incident occurred. The Miami Beach native had fallen into the water while skiing about a mile offshore, according to Officer George Reynaud, FWC spokesperson.

“She was waiting to be picked up by her boat, wearing a life jacket with her wakeboard still attached, when another boat struck her. She died from her injuries,” Reynaud confirmed.

Authorities described the sought-after boat as a center console vessel with a light blue hull, possibly with blue or dark blue bottom paint, and several white outboard motors. It is believed to be between 30 and 40 feet long.

A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information in the investigation: FWC and Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers are offering up to $5,000, while Adler's family is offering a $10,000 reward, Reynaud stated.

The victim's parents urged the public to help find the person responsible for her death. The boat was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach around 4:30 pm ET, according to FWC.

“The world lost a star this weekend. She was beautiful and shone brightly. In her 15 years, she gave us more light than we could ever have dreamed,” said her parents, Amanda and Matt Adler, in a statement to ABC News. “As we deal with this indescribable tragedy, we hope the public will help us find the person who took her from us.”

Adler was a student at Ransom Everglades School, a college preparatory day school in the Miami area. The school described her as an “outstanding student, a wonderful dancer, and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and the speech and debate team.”

“Our hearts are broken, and our community has been devastated by this tragedy,” the school said in a statement. “Ella shone in our classrooms and on our stages, embodying the mission of Ransom Everglades School.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, and our prayers are with all those mourning her loss. During this time of indescribable pain, we have been touched by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community,” the statement continued.

As an emerging dancer, Adler appeared in over 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet, according to her obituary, which described her as a “star” and a “force of nature.”