Nearly a year after the tragic death of 15-year-old ballerina Ella Adler, two men are facing criminal charges connected to the fatal boating accident that shocked the Key Biscayne community and beyond.
On May 11, 2024, Adler was wakeboarding off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida, when she fell into the water and was struck by a passing boat. The driver did not stop, prompting a widespread search and public outcry.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials later identified Carlos Guillermo Alonso as the owner of the boat believed to have hit Adler. At the time, no charges were immediately filed.
Now, after what the FWC described as a “thorough investigation,” both Alonso and Edmund Richard Hartley—who was operating the boat towing Adler—have been officially charged with multiple boating-related misdemeanors. The charges, which were handed down in April 2025, stem from violations of U.S. Coast Guard rules regarding safe navigation and vessel responsibility.
Alonso faces two counts, including failure to maintain proper lookout and general negligence on the water. Hartley, meanwhile, is facing four counts, including failure to take proper action to avoid a collision. Both men have pleaded not guilty, according to the Associated Press.
“These charges all relate to the careless operation of a vessel,” the FWC said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ella Adler. Our thoughts remain with them as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss.”
Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, previously stated that her client had “no idea” he struck anyone and described him as “devastated.” She reiterated on June 4 that her legal team was “very surprised” by the decision to file charges after being told last year that Alonso’s actions weren’t believed to have caused the crash.
“Bill is an experienced and cautious boater,” she said. “FWC explicitly told us that they did not find Bill’s actions caused the accident. Now we’re left wondering why this decision changed nearly a year later.”
According to early reports, Alonso was onboard with one other person during the accident. It still remains unclear who was behind the wheel at the time of impact.
Ella Adler’s death left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew her. A rising star in the Miami dance world, Adler had performed in over 100 productions of The Nutcracker with the Miami City Ballet and was active in her high school’s theater and dance programs.
Her obituary described her as “a force of nature” who radiated “love and joy.” It noted her fierce loyalty, strong moral compass, and magnetic personality.
“She loved to dance, she loved her friends, and most of all she loved her family—her parents, Amanda and Matthew, and her younger siblings, Jaden and Adalynn,” the tribute read.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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