In an accident off the coast of the Florida Keys, one person lost their life, and five others were ejected from a powerboat during an organized race from Miami to Key West.
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the tragic incident took place around 4 p.m. on Thursday. The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Stephanie Marie Rodriguez, a resident of Hialeah, whose sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of her family and friends.
The accident unfolded as the 39-foot Deep Impact vessel, helmed by Reinaldo Aquit, a 47-year-old from Miami Beach, encountered trouble in the Calda Channel north of Key West.
With seven passengers aboard, the vessel was traveling at high speeds as part of the powerboat race—a popular event for thrill-seekers drawn to the fast-paced, competitive atmosphere of the Florida Keys’ waters.
But while maneuvering through the channel, the boat reportedly made an abrupt right turn, causing it to capsize. The sudden force of the turn was powerful enough to eject six of the eight passengers into the water.
Nearby vessels, manned by quick-thinking Good Samaritans, responded immediately to the capsized boat and the individuals struggling in the water. Passersby rushed to pull the survivors from the waves, getting them to safety before authorities arrived.
“Their rapid response likely prevented a greater tragedy,” remarked an FWC representative, who also commended the bystanders for their swift actions in such dangerous conditions. The FWC’s initial investigation suggested that high speed combined with the sharp turn might have contributed to the accident, though a complete analysis is still underway.
All those ejected, including the vessel operator, Reinaldo Aquit, were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. The FWC confirmed on Friday that one of the passengers, identified as Stephanie Rodriguez, succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family and friends grappling with grief.
Stephanie’s family members described her as a compassionate and cheerful individual who effortlessly brightened any room she entered. In an emotional tribute posted on a fundraising platform, the family expressed their heartbreak and the overwhelming shock of her sudden loss. “To know her was to love her,” the statement read, reflecting the love and respect Stephanie garnered from those who knew her.