A tragic accident off the Amalfi Coast in Italy has claimed the life of Bloomsbury USA president Adrienne Vaughan, whose company is renowned for publishing the iconic 'Harry Potter' series.
The tragic incident occurred when the speedboat carrying Vaughan, her husband, and two young children collided with a sailing ship, resulting in her untimely death.
Adrienne Vaughan Killed in Speedboat Collision
As the investigation unfolds, shocking details have emerged, including the arrest of the speedboat captain for intoxication from drugs and alcohol at the time of the collision. Adrienne Vaughan, 44, her husband Mike White, and their two young children embarked on a memorable European tour, visiting London before heading to Italy.
The family had arrived in Italy earlier in the week and decided to explore the picturesque Amalfi Coast, renting a speedboat for a leisurely exploration of the gulf. The ill-fated excursion took a catastrophic turn when the speedboat collided with the Tortuga, a 45-meter sailing ship carrying around 80 foreign passengers, including American and German tourists who were celebrating a wedding.
Witnesses onboard the Tortuga captured the horrifying incident on video, showing the revelers dancing to the Backstreet Boys' "Everybody" before chaos erupted. Upon impact, Adrienne Vaughan was launched into the water, landing between the hulls of the two vessels.
Tragically, she was struck by the speedboat's propeller, resulting in fatal injuries. The crew and guests aboard the Tortuga immediately halted their celebrations to assess the situation and aid the victims, according to New York Post.
Investigation Reveals Speedboat Captain's Intoxication
Authorities promptly launched an investigation into the incident, testing both the captain of the Tortuga and the 33-year-old skipper of the speedboat, who was an employee of a boat rental company in Massa Lubrense.
Shockingly, toxicology reports revealed that the speedboat captain had exceeded the legal limit of alcohol in his system and tested positive for drug intoxication at the time of the collision. He was subsequently arrested.
Adrienne Vaughan's husband, Mike White, suffered injuries during the accident, including a bruised shoulder and leg wounds. Fortunately, their two children escaped unharmed.
White is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital while the children are staying with a caring family during the ongoing investigation by the public prosecutor's office. Adrienne Vaughan's sudden and tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the publishing industry and beyond.
A dedicated professional, she had recently been promoted to head of Bloomsbury USA in September 2021. Her leadership and contributions to the literary world will be remembered fondly.
As the public prosecutor's office delves deeper into the incident, further toxicology reports on the speedboat captain's potential drug involvement are expected to be released. The investigation does not involve the captain of the Tortuga, who tested negative for drugs.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible boating and the potential consequences of recklessness. The loss of Adrienne Vaughan leaves a void in the publishing industry and the hearts of her loved ones, Fox Business reported.
