Boater Identified In Miami Beach Hit-And-Run Of Ella Adler

 

FWC officer George Menard announced the seizure of a boat of interest in the fatal hit-and-run of 15-year-old Ella Adler in Biscayne Bay off of Miami Beach, Florida. Credit: FWC

MIAMI BEACH, Florida - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released the identity of the operator of a boat of interest that was seized as part of an investigation into the fatal hit-and-run of 15-year-old in Biscayne Bay off of Miami Beach, Florida.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, of Coral Gables was named as the boat's operator and sole occupant in a report released by FWC.

Adler was water-skiing when she fell in the water while being towed in Biscayne Bay near Nixon Beach Sandbar on May 11, 2023.

The Florida teen was struck by another boat and died from her injuries. Witnesses told investigators that the boat that struck Adler did not stop. 

Using a description provided by witnesses, FWC began to search for the striking immediately. 

On May 14, FWC officers say that they have identified a vessel that fits the description of the suspected boat and it is in their custody. 

FWC says that the owner of the vessel is cooperating with the investigation. 

“Our community suffered a great loss this Mother’s Day weekend. As Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, I would like to thank all our officers and those from various law enforcement agencies who have worked and continue to work tirelessly on this investigation. The FWC and its officers have called in additional resources from other parts of the state and have worked around the clock to find the vessel involved in the accident. I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses and the investigation is ongoing,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. 

“As a father and grandfather, my heart is broken for the Adler family. Ella’s death is devastating for her family, friends and the community at large. The FWC and our partner law enforcement agencies will not stop until we have all the answers and the case is solved.” 

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

FWC investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the accident or anyone who might have video footage or information to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).