Funeral service is held for ballerina killed in hit-and-run boat crash (2024)

A funeral service has been held for Ella Riley Adler, a 15-year-old girl who died when a boat crashed into her, where friends, family and classmates mourned the tragic loss of the talented ballerina.

Adler, a student at Miami's Ransom Everglades School, was described as a hard worker, a magnificent dancer, and someone overflowing with kindness and warmth.

'In her 15 years on this earth, she dazzled us with her light. She emanated love and joy. She was beautiful. When she walked into a room, everyone was drawn to her,' her family said.

Adler lost her life on Saturday afternoon waterskiing off the coast of Key Biscayne near Miami Beach, when a boater collided with her before speeding away from the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing 'a lot of blood in the water,' and since the boater who hit her is still at large, authorities are 'hoping to get help from the community so we can locate whoever is responsible for this.'

Pictured: Ella Riley Adler, 15, who was killed by a speeding boat while she was waterskiingoff the coat of Miami's Nixon Beach

Ella's casket is seen being carried by members of the temple

Friends and family attended Ella's funeral Monday morningTemple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach

Adler's funeral was held on Monday morning at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach.

The teenager was a high achiever, involved in many different organizations and clubs, including her school'sJewish Student Association, the debate team and the Miami City Ballet.

'Ella Adler was not just a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced our stage in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker; she was an integral part of our family,' saidBilly Zavelson, a spokesperson for the Miami City Ballet.

Rachel Rodriguez, the Head of School at Ransom Everglades, also shared the school community's collective grief over Adler's untimely death.

'Our hearts are broken and our community has been devastated by this tragedy. Ella shined in our classrooms and on our stages,' Rodriguez said.

'In this time of unspeakable pain, we have been moved by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community.'

Ella Riley Adler is pictured (center) with her immediate family, from the Facebook page of her father Matthew Adler

Ella (pictured center) was described as having 'a big posse of friends' and someone who was proud of her Jewish heritage.Ella was also a celebrated local ballerina who was cast in performances of The Nutcracker, performing over 100 times for the Miami City Ballet

A fellow student, Myles Gilber, said Adler had lots of good friends.

'I mean, I can’t even imagine the pain that they’re going through,' Gilber said.

Gilber also called the boater who hit Adler and sped off 'evil.'

'How can you not have a conscience to want to help the girl that you just hit with your boat?'

A friend of the Adler family was also interviewed by NBC's local affiliate after Adler's death.

'Special little girl. She was a great dancer. She was my daughter’s best friend. It’s a tremendous loss. She had such a bright future. Very sad, very sad,' he said.

Ella is survived by her parents, Amanda and Matthew along with her siblings Jaden and Adalynn. She was also the great-granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor.

Adler’s family has requested that donations in her memory be made to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation or the Miami City Ballet.

The teen's obituary went on to characterize her as a relentlessly dedicated student who loved to celebrate life.

'Ella worked hard at everything she did. She had a precocious discipline and focus that belied her age. She did not know what it was to work at half-speed. She gave everything her all and because of that, her energy made her stand apart. She worked relentlessly at school where she excelled,' loved ones wrote.

The talented teenager's school said she 'shined in our classrooms and on our stages'

Police canvassed the marinas near the scene of the hit and run on Monday, but they haven't yet located the boater. Authorities are offering a $20,000 rewardfor anyone who can provide information about the person who struck the teenage girl with their boat and sped off

Adler, who was celebrating a friend's birthday on a family boat, was wearing a life vest and water skis at the time of the collision, according to George Reynaud, Public Information Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Reynaud described the boat that hit Adler, which was last seen in the Nixon Beach area heading west, as 'white to light blue in color, with a blue or dark blue bottom paint, and possibly having two to four white outboard engines.'

Police canvassed the marinas near the scene of the hit and run on Monday, but they haven't yet located the boater.

There is a $20,000 reward for information about the boater and the vessel itself, 7 News Miamireported Monday.

A crime stopping organization in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys is offering an additional $5,000 reward.

Funeral service is held for ballerina killed in hit-and-run boat crash (2024)

FAQs

What type of report should be filed in a boating accident? ›

What type of report must be filed if there is an accident while boating? If you need to file a report, check with the boating authorities in your state to find out what forms you need to complete. Most states accept the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report (Form CG-3865).

What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents? ›

The majority of boating-related incidents and fatalities are caused by: Not wearing a lifejacket or PFD. Falling overboard. Capsizing, swamping, sinking, or running aground.

What is the primary cause of boating fatalities in Florida? ›

Falling overboard and drowning (due to not wearing a PFD) is the primary cause of boating fatalities.

Which of the following is not a legal reason to report a boating accident? ›

However, one situation that does not legally require you to report a boating accident is a minor collision with no significant damage or injury.

What accidents are reportable? ›

The following types of injury must be reported under RIDDOR.
  • The death of any person. ...
  • Specified, reportable injuries to workers. ...
  • Over-7-day incapacitation of a worker. ...
  • Over-3-day incapacitation. ...
  • Non-fatal accidents to people other than workers. ...
  • Carcinogens, mutagens and biological agents.
Apr 11, 2024

Which state has the most boating accidents? ›

Florida was home to the most boating accidents in 2021 (723) as well as the most during the 10-year study period (6,819). Alcohol is a factor in more than 7% of boating accidents, or around 330 per year. There are more than 640 boating fatalities every year on average.

What is the most likely to cause someone to fall overboard on a boat? ›

Common causes of falls overboard and boat capsizing include: being caught off guard by a wave or sharp turn when moving around in the boat, carrying too much weight in the boat or unevenly distributing weight in the boat; and bad weather conditions.

What causes 40% boating deaths? ›

Alcohol consumption is the cause of roughly 40% of all recreational boating deaths in Canada. The consumption of alcohol in a pleasure craft is much more dangerous than most people realize. Alcohol intensifies the effect of fatigue, sun, wind, and boat motion to adversely affect balance, judgment, and reaction time.

What is the leading cost of death in boating accidents in Florida? ›

Drowning: A Silent Killer

It's no surprise that drowning stands out as the leading cause of death in boating accidents in Florida.

Which is the most critical part of boating to avoid collision? ›

Staying alert is the most critical part of boating to avoid a collision. 28. If you approach a vessel in a head on situation, both vessels should stay to the right.

When you see a red flag or buoy? ›

Explanation: When you see a red flag or buoy with a white diagonal stripe (divers-down symbol), it indicates that there are divers in the area. In this situation, you must exercise caution and avoid disturbing or harming the divers.

What type of report must be filed in a boating accident while boating Quizlet? ›

If a person dies, disappears from the boat, or there are injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, a formal report must be filed within 48 hours of the accident. A formal report must be made within 10 days for accidents involving property damage of $2,000 or more, or complete loss of a vessel.

Which of the following boating accidents must be reported in writing? ›

The operator or owner must also make a written report of a boating accident to the Division of Boating and Waterways if it has resulted in: Death or disappearance of a person. Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.

What type of incidents should be reported and documented? ›

An incident report formally documents workplace accidents, events, or near misses. These reports are crucial for capturing the details of the events that occur in situations like damage to company property, personal injury, health and safety issues, security breaches, or personnel misconduct.

What is the correct procedure for reporting accidents? ›

Details of the incident need to be accurately recorded including:
  • The name, gender, date of birth and job title of the injured party.
  • The date of the accident.
  • The details of what and how the incident occurred.
  • Specific injury details.
  • If the injured party is pregnant.
  • The name and job title of the person logging the details.

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