Teen Killed in Boat Crash Is Considered Beloved Dancer – NBC 6 South Florida

Just days after a fatal hit-and-run boat accident, a South Florida community is mourning the tragic loss of a 15-year-old girl.

Ella Riley Adler has been identified as the teenager who was struck and killed by a boat while water skiing in Biscayne Bay Saturday afternoon.

Since this tragic incident, there has been a massive response from the Adler community, including her school and the ballet company she danced for.

Adler has appeared in regular performances with Miami City Ballet, including in The Nutcracker by George Balanchine.

The 15-year-old was described as a well-rounded student – ​​an active member of the Ransom Everglades School dance team, the Jewish Student Association and the speech and debate team.

Ransom Everglades School Principal Rachel Rodriguez sent a statement to NBC6 on Monday in response to Adler’s sudden death.

“Our hearts are broken and our community has been devastated by this tragedy. Ella shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School,” Rodriguez said. “We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and our prayers are with all who mourn his loss. In this time of indescribable pain, we have been touched by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community. In In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to build on our core values ​​and provide support and care to the many grieving students and members of our professional community.”

A funeral service was held Monday at Temple Beth Shalom for Adler.

Friends are also speaking out, remembering the teen not only as a talented artist, but also as a beloved young person.

“Special little girl.” She was a great dancer. She was my daughter’s best friend. It’s a huge loss. She had such a bright future. Very sad, very sad,” said Loren Pierson, a family friend.

Fellow students described Adler as well-known and friendly.

“It’s really sad to hear. I heard she was a really nice girl, was on the dance team and had a lot of friends. I can’t imagine the pain that they’re going through,” said student Miles Gelber.

Miami City Ballet also released a statement on the teen’s death.

“At Miami City Ballet and Miami City Ballet School, we are completely devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident. Ella Adler was not only a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced our stage in The Nutcracker by George Balanchine; she was an integral part of our family, radiating potential and promise whose kindness, warmth and contagious joy were known to all,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with Ella’s family, her friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and worshiping him. As we come together, we will deeply mourn the loss of Ella and hold dear the precious memories we were fortunate to create with her. »

A witness also provided NBC6 with a photo taken immediately afterward, showing what appeared to be a gray yacht next to a police boat. The witness said Adler was water skiing from the gray yacht.

Officials also said the vessel that fatally struck him was described as having a light blue center console, possibly with blue or dark blue lower paint and three or four white outboard motors. He was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne Saturday afternoon.

FWC officials also confirmed to NBC6 on Sunday that the teen was not actively water skiing when she was struck.

“She was just in the water with the board attached to her feet and wearing a life jacket,” an FWC spokesperson said.

The FWC is continuing its search for the boat and said a reward of up to $20,000 will be offered for information leading to an arrest or aiding the investigation.