Authorities Locate Boat That Hit and Killed US Diplomat's Granddaughter Near Key Biscayne

Investigators have successfully located the boat that is believed to have struck and killed the 15-year-old granddaughter of a US diplomat near Key Biscayne, Florida. According to authorities, the boat matches the description provided and is currently in custody.

The owner of the boat is reportedly cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday when the vessel struck Ella Adler while she was waterskiing near Nixon Beach in Miami-Dade County. The boat did not stop after the collision, prompting a $20,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case.

Ella Adler, who was an accomplished ballerina with the Miami City Ballet, was described as a "star" and a "force of nature" by loved ones. She was also proud of her Jewish heritage and an active member of the Ransom Everglades Jewish Students Association, according to an obituary.

The Ransom Everglades School expressed their heartbreak over the tragic loss on Facebook, stating that Ella embodied the mission of the school and offering their condolences to her family. The US Embassy to Belgium also extended their deepest sympathies to the Adler family in a statement, while respecting their privacy during this difficult time.

The boat in question has been described as a center console boat with a light blue hull, multiple white outboard engines, and potentially blue or dark blue bottom paint, according to the wildlife commission. Authorities noted that witness descriptions were instrumental in locating the boat, and video footage or any additional information related to the incident is urged to be reported to the Wildlife Alert Hotline or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains active, and while authorities did not disclose any further information on Tuesday, they did not rule out the possibility of releasing additional updates in the near future.