Florida authorities located the boat involved in the fatal accident of the 15-year-old skier, Ella Adler, and whose driver subsequently fled.
Apparently, agents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified the boat that fatally ran over the young woman and confiscated it.
“Officials have made significant progress in this investigation. However, the investigation is still ongoing and the public's help is still needed. “Our thoughts are with Ella Adler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” FWC stated in a statement.
The event site Only in Dade published a video in which two FWC boats are seen escorting a third boat that responds to the characteristics described by witnesses to the tragedy.
Despite this progress, FWC investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or anyone who may have 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 wakeboard near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday afternoon when the fatal incident that took his life occurred.
The girl, from Miami Beach, had fallen into the water while water skiing a mile offshore, she told ABC News Officer George Reynaud, FWC spokesman.
“She was waiting to be recovered by her boat, wearing a life jacket and her wakeboard still attached, when another boat collided with her. “He died from his injuries,” he said.
The 15-year-old victim fell into the water while being towed when another boat struck her Saturday, authorities say.
The vessel sought in connection with the incident was described as a center console boat with a light blue hull, possibly blue or dark blue bottom paint and multiple white outboard motors, FWC said. 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 said.
The victim's parents urged the public to help find the person responsible for his death. The ship was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach around 4:30 p.m. ET, FWC said.
"The world lost a star this weekend. She was beautiful and she shone brightly. In her 15 years she gave us more light than we could have ever dreamed of," her parents said. Amanda and Matt Adler, in a statement to ABC News. "As we deal with this unspeakable 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. "She shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School."
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family and our prayers are with all who are mourning his loss. In this time of unspeakable grief, we have been touched by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community," continued the release.
An emerging dancer, Adler appeared in more than 100 performances with Miami City Ballet, according to her obituary, which called her a "star" and "force of nature."
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled in: