In a tragic incident that occurred in a Miami-area bay over the weekend, a boater has been accused of striking and killing a 15-year-old wakeboarder, Ella Adler. The accused boater, a 78-year-old Coral Gables resident, expressed "no knowledge" of the accident and is reportedly "devastated" upon learning that he may have been involved, according to his attorney, Lauren Krasnoff.

The incident took place near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne on Saturday when Adler had fallen while wakeboarding and was waiting for her vessel. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) stated that another boat struck her and failed to stop, leaving her fatally injured. The FWC has since seized a boat believed to be connected to the hit-and-run and identified the owner and operator as the aforementioned Coral Gables resident.

Despite being under investigation by the FWC, the boater is said to be fully cooperating. In a video statement released by his attorney, Krasnoff conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to Adler's family and friends. She emphasized that her client, an experienced boater familiar with the bay, had no knowledge of the accident if he was indeed involved. Krasnoff vehemently stated that if he had hit Adler, he would have stopped immediately.

The accused boater had docked his boat near his residence without any knowledge of the tragic incident until officers arrived at his door, according to Krasnoff. She further emphasized that her client does not consume alcohol and was not under the influence on the day of the incident. Krasnoff described him as "absolutely devastated" by the loss of a "intelligent, accomplished, and beautiful young woman."

The FWC, in its ongoing investigation, announced on Tuesday that they had located a boat that matched the description provided by witnesses of the striking vessel. This 42-foot Boston Whaler has been transported to an FWC evidence compound for further analysis.

FWC officers are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward and assist with their investigation. As of now, no charges have been announced in the case. The accused boater remains committed to cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of boater safety and the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the accident. The community eagerly awaits further updates from the FWC as they work towards justice for Ella Adler and her grieving loved ones.