Florida Ballerina’s Death Leads to Charges Against Two Men

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the tragic death of 15-year-old ballerina Ella Adler has led to misdemeanor charges against two men in Florida.

Adler was fatally struck by a boat while wakeboarding in Key Biscayne in May 2024. Following a thorough investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), charges have been filed against the boat owner and the driver of the vessel towing Adler.

The Incident

On May 11, 2024, Ella Adler was wakeboarding near a beach in Key Biscayne, Florida, when she fell into the water. A boat, later identified as belonging to 78-year-old Carlos Guillermo Alonso, allegedly struck her and left the scene. The FWC launched an investigation to identify the vessel and its operator.

Charges Filed

After nearly a year of investigation, the FWC announced in June 2025 that Carlos Guillermo Alonso and Edmund Richard Hartley, who were operating the boat towing Adler, had been charged with multiple misdemeanors related to the incident. Alonso faces charges for violating U.S. Coast Guard Navigational Rules #2 (Responsibility) and #5 (Look-out). Hartley faces four charges, including violations for Risk of Collision and Action to Avoid Collision. Both men have pleaded not guilty.

Legal Proceedings

The charges against Alonso and Hartley are all related to the careless operation of a vessel. Additionally, Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, stated that he was unaware he had struck Adler and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “We are devastated for the Adlers, for their friends, their family,” Krasnoff said. “There’s no question in our minds that this is an absolutely horrific thing that happened, and we pray for and think of their family and friends during this time.”

Remembering Ella Adler: The Heartwarming Ballerina

Ella Adler was a vibrant and compassionate individual who loved dancing, her family, and advocating for what she believed was right. She performed over 100 times with the Miami City Ballet and was actively involved in the arts and her school community. Moreover, in her obituary, she was described as “a force of nature” who “emanated love and joy.” She is survived by her parents, Amanda and Matthew, and her younger siblings, Jaden and Adalynn.

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