In a tragic incident that took place on Saturday, 15-year-old Ella Adler lost her life while water skiing in Biscayne Bay. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has now identified the boat operator involved in the accident as 78-year-old Carlos Guillermo Alonso, a resident of Coral Gables.

According to the one-page incident report, Alonso was the sole occupant of the vessel at the time of the accident. The boat was subsequently discovered behind a home in the Hammocks Oaks neighborhood in Coral Gables, which happens to be owned by Alonso.

Authorities confirmed that Alonso is cooperating with the investigation, and they have sent certain recovered physical evidence to the state lab for testing. While there is no evidence suggesting reckless or drunk driving, it remains uncertain whether Alonso will face any citations or charges related to the accident.

Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the FWC, expressed his condolences and stated that the tragedy had deeply impacted the local community. Ella's death serves as a stark reminder for everyone to exercise caution on the water and to be mindful of their surroundings.

The preliminary FWC report indicated that Ella had been on a boat with 12 other individuals and was being towed on a wakeboard when the accident occurred. Sadly, she fell into the water and was struck by another boat whose operator failed to stop.

A massive search was launched to locate the boat and its driver. On Wednesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife officials announced that they believed they had found the vessel matching the witness descriptions. The boat is now in their custody, and the owner is cooperating with the investigation.

The community gathered on Monday morning for services in memory of Ella at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. The First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, also personally visited the family to offer her condolences and support during this difficult time.

Ella Adler, the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler, was not only a student at Ransom Everglades High School but also a talented ballerina with the Miami City Ballet. Her untimely passing has left both institutions devastated, with heartfelt messages of condolences pouring in from all corners.

The US Embassy to Belgium issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the Adler family, while also emphasizing the need to respect their privacy during this challenging period.

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information, including video footage, to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers. The FWC can be reached at 888-404-FWCC (3922), while Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

This tragic incident serves as a reminder for boaters to prioritize safety on the water and to remain vigilant at all times.