Katerina Puig, the teenager who survived and was left disabled after a severe boat accident in Miami, has successfully graduated from high school in a very emotional ceremony. Puig was in a coma for three months following the boating accident in the Intracoastal Waterway near Boca Chita Key on September 4, 2022. The incident caused serious brain injuries, preventing her from completing her school year.
During the graduation ceremony for her classmates from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in 2023, teachers awarded her an honorary certificate. However, Puig was determined to finish her education and spent the past year balancing classes with rehabilitation therapies. "In the end, she managed to write answers for many of the exams," her mother, Kathya Pino, told Telemundo.
On September 4, 2022, at 6:30 pm, a 29-foot boat with 14 occupants on board struck a channel marker or buoy in the Intracoastal Waterway near Boca Chita Key off the coast of Miami. The impact created a hole in the side of the vessel, causing several passengers to fall into the water. Luciana Fernández, a 17-year-old high school senior, tragically passed away the next day due to injuries sustained in the accident.
The primary individual held responsible for the accident is Miami real estate promoter George Pino, 52, whom Kathy's parents accused of drinking before the incident. They also claimed that he and his wife provided alcohol to the teenagers. Recently, it was revealed that Cecilia Pino, George's wife, agreed to pay $16 million in a settlement related to the lawsuit.
Katerina Puig's Recovery and Legal Aftermath
Below are some common questions and answers regarding Katerina Puig's recovery journey and the legal consequences of the boat accident in Miami.
What caused Katerina Puig's severe injuries?
Katerina Puig suffered severe brain injuries due to a boat accident in the Intracoastal Waterway near Boca Chita Key on September 4, 2022.
How did Katerina Puig manage to graduate high school?
Despite her injuries, Katerina Puig alternated between classes and rehabilitation therapies, ultimately managing to write answers for many exams, allowing her to graduate.
Who was held responsible for the Miami boat accident?
Miami real estate promoter George Pino was held responsible for the accident. He and his wife were accused of providing alcohol to the teenagers on the boat before the incident.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit related to the accident?
Cecilia Pino, George's wife, agreed to pay $16 million in a settlement for the lawsuit related to the boat accident.