A tragic accident occurred yesterday evening in Boynton Beach, as a jet ski ride turned fatal for a 49-year-old man. The Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD) reported that Jeffrey Civitano of Sunrise was operating his jet ski northbound in the E-4 Canal when he crashed. The incident took place near the West Gateway Boulevard Bridge around 5:45 p.m. Civitano was found by a witness, lying in the water, while his jet ski continued to drift away, according to a news release obtained by CW34.
First responders from Boynton Beach Fire Rescue arrived shortly to attempt to rescue Civitano. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The BBPD continues to investigate the exact cause of the fatal crash and has urged people to always wear proper safety gear while operating watercrafts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is also assisting with the ongoing investigation, a collaborative effort to thoroughly understand what led up to the tragedy.
Local authorities have reiterated the importance of exercising caution on the water. Boynton Beach Police Department, notably, has always maintained a strong emphasis on water safety, an aspect made all the more poignant in light of this incident. A statement on BBPD's initial investigation findings was mirrored in a report by WPBF, which also detailed the victim's identity and the circumstances of the crash.
