Officials in Florida have identified the man who was behind the wheel of a boat that is believed to have killed a 15-year-old girl who was waterskiing.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report said the hit-and-run occurred at around 4:30 p.m. Saturday near Nixon Beach, off Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, and Ella Ridley Adler died after being hit by another boat.
The other boat did not stop, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
FWC officers identified a vessel that fits the description on Tuesday and seized it.
Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, was identified as the only person in the boat at the time of the incident according to an initial FWC report.
Alonso's lawyer spoke on his behalf.
"This is the worst possible tragedy that anyone could imagine," attorney Lauren Field Krasnoff told WTVJ-TV. "We are devastated for the Adlers, for their friends, for their family - there's no question in our minds that this is an absolutely horrific thing that happened and we pray for and think of their family and friends during this time."
His lawyer claims that Alonso doesn't even know if he was involved in the incident.
"We don't know at this time whether (Alonso) or his boat were the boat involved in the crash," Krasnoff said. "If his boat was involved, I can tell you he had absolutely no idea that that is what happened that day. He is as devastated as anybody could be."
FWC officials said Alonso is cooperating with the investigation and hasn't been arrested.
Adle was a student at Ransom Everglades School and danced with the Miami City Ballet.
"We are heartbroken," Ransom Everglades School wrote on Facebook. "Ella Adler '27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family."
Investigators say they are still looking for anyone who witnessed the accident or might have video footage.
"Our hearts are with the family and friends of Ella Adler during this incredibly difficult time," FWC Chairman Rodney Bareto said.
