Two Charged in Wakeboarding Death of Teen Ella Adler

Two men are facing misdemeanor charges in connection with the tragic boating death of 15-year-old Ella Riley Adler, who was struck while wakeboarding in Biscayne Bay on May 11, 2024.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials announced charges this week. Adler, a student at Ransom Everglades High School and a talented ballet performer with the Miami City Ballet, fell into the water while being towed and was hit by another boat near Key Biscayne.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 79, who operated the boat that struck Adler, is charged with two counts of careless operation of a vessel. Edmund Richard Hartley, 31, who operated the towing boat, faces four similar misdemeanor charges.

FWC expressed condolences to Adler’s family and friends, stating, “Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss.”

Adler’s family has since launched the Ella Riley Adler Foundation to support causes she cared about, including Jewish community, education, and the arts.

“We are deeply grateful to the State Attorney’s Office and FWC for their diligence and professionalism,” the family said in a statement through their attorney. “Their efforts have brought a measure of accountability during the most painful time in our lives.”

Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, responded to the charges, saying they were surprised and plan to investigate. “This was an absolute tragedy, but it was not Bill’s fault. FWC previously told us they did not find his actions caused the accident.”

The investigation highlights the importance of boating safety as the community remembers a young life taken far too soon.