Boat That Struck and Killed 15-Year-Old Fla. Ballerina Found, Authorities Say

Authorities are one step closer to learning more about the death of 15-year-old Ella Adler.

Ella died Saturday, May 11, after being struck by a boat while water skiing near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne, Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a previous statement.

The FWS noted that a “center console boat with a light blue hull” and “multiple white outboards” fled the scene and asked for any witnesses to come forward.

On Tuesday, the FWC announced in a press release and on Instagram that the boat “matching the description” is now in their custody.

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According to WTVJ, the boat was “anchored behind a home in the Hammock Oaks neighborhood of southwest Miami-Dade.” While the identity of the vessel’s owner has not been released, the FWC said “the vessel’s owner is cooperating with the investigation.”

The FWC added that “while significant progress has been made, this investigation remains open; the public’s assistance is still needed.”

FWC President Rodney Barreto called the teenage ballerina’s death “a great loss this Mother’s Day weekend.”

Ella Riley Adler.

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“As chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, I would like to thank all of our officers and those from the various law enforcement agencies who have worked and continue to work tirelessly on this investigation. The FWC and its officers have called for additional resources from other parts of the state and we have been working around the clock to locate the vessel involved in the accident,” Barrett said in a press release.

The president confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and said, “As a father and grandfather, my heart is broken for the Adler family.”

“Ella’s death is devastating to her family, friends and the community at large. FWC and our law enforcement partner agencies will not stop until we get all the answers and the case is solved,” his statement continued.

Image of the Biscayne Bay area, Florida.

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In the obituary, Ella was remembered as someone who “worked hard at everything she did.”

“Ella shone on stage as a ballerina in The Nutcracker, appearing in more than 100 performances with Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Her magnetism radiated on stage, where she belonged and thrived,” the obituary reads, adding that Ella also performed with the Ransom Everglades dance crew.

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A memorial service for Ella was held Monday at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach, Florida, according to KMIZ.

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Source: HIS Education