In the sobering aftermath of a tragedy on Biscayne Bay, two individuals are now formally charged over a year since the incident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old wakeboarder. According to NBC Miami, Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 79, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of careless operation of a vessel, while Edmund Richard Hartley, 31, faces four charges under the same offense. These announcements were made by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
On May 11, 2024, Ella Riley Adler, just 15, was engaging in the joys of wakeboarding when she took a fatal fall, leading to her being struck suddenly and mortally by a passing boat. The teen had been wakeboarding near Mashta Point in Key Biscayne, celebrating a friend's birthday. When she unfortunately lost her grip and plunged into the waters, she was tragically hit by Alonso's 42-foot Boston Whaler and left there in a devastating scene, as reported by the New York Post. Eyewitnesses claimed he continued to his Coral Gables residence without pause, despite the collision.
Seeking justice and closure, Ella's family has expressed gratitude for the diligence and professionalism of the investigating bodies. In a statement obtained by NBC Miami, they commented, "Their efforts have brought a measure of accountability and clarity during the most painful time in our lives." The Adlers have also founded the Ella Riley Adler Foundation in their daughter's memory, aiming to support Jewish community continuity, education, and the arts, particularly dance.
Meanwhile, defense for Alonso, who has maintained his cooperation with investigators and forfeited the involved vessel, contends with the charges. Lauren Field Krasnoff told NBC Miami, "What happened last year was an absolute tragedy. But it was not Bill’s fault. Bill is an experienced and cautious boater and that is how he acted that day. FWC explicitly told us that they did not find Bill’s actions caused the accident."
While both Hartley and Alonso are accused of running afoul of several U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules, as per FWC, Alonso's lawyer insists that "He’s a good man, and he is devastated by what has happened." This sentiment echoes the New York Post interview with the lawyer from the previous month.
