The family of Stephanie Marie Rodríguez, a 28-year-old woman of Cuban descent who lost her life in a tragic boating accident, is grappling with immense grief. "She was truly unique," they expressed after the heartbreaking event in the Florida Keys last Thursday.
The disastrous accident, which also injured five other individuals, happened around 4:00 p.m. on November 7 in North Key West Harbor, Monroe County. Rodríguez was aboard a boat participating in a high-speed race from Miami to Key West, as reported by Telemundo 51.
The 39-foot Deep Impact vessel, carrying eight passengers, was traveling at high speed when it struck a sandbar, veered sharply to the right, and ejected six occupants into the water, according to Arielle Callender, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Injured passengers received immediate assistance from nearby boaters and were transported to the Marina Conch Harbor on Caroline Street. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter, taking them to local hospitals for medical treatment. Tragically, Rodríguez succumbed to her injuries.
Heartbroken by the loss, Rodríguez's family, who lives in Hialeah, spoke with Telemundo 51. "We will miss her dearly. She was affectionate, knowledgeable, and always shared with everyone. She always had a smile and was perpetually cheerful," one of Rodríguez's three older siblings shared. "We hope our family can soon find solace from this pain, as my mother is deeply hurt."
Ricky Rodríguez, another brother, told NBC, "She lit up any room she walked into. My sister was special, truly special."
Amidst their sorrow, Rodríguez's family wished a swift recovery for the five individuals who remain hospitalized following the accident.
On the GoFundMe platform, a campaign has been launched to raise funds for Rodríguez's funeral expenses, aiming to relieve the family's burden during such trying times. Mia Pérez, the organizer, wrote, "With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news of Stephanie Marie Rodríguez's passing. She tragically lost her life in a boating accident yesterday. Stephanie was a kind, loving, and joyful person whose warmth touched everyone she met. To know her was to love her. Her sudden departure has left her family and friends heartbroken, struggling to comprehend this immense loss."
Authorities identified the boat's operator as Reinaldo Aquit, a 47-year-old from Miami Beach, who was also injured in the incident. Following the fatal accident, the FWC launched a thorough investigation to uncover the causes behind the crash. The agency has not disclosed whether Aquit will face any charges.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez's family awaits answers and cherishes her memory. "We just hope that justice prevails, the investigations proceed, and we gain the clarity needed to understand what happened. However, that is beyond our control; it lies in the hands of God and the authorities," stated Ricky Rodríguez.