Ella Adler death: Footage shows Florida boater calmy docking vessel after fatally striking teen ballerina

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Heart-wrenching footage has surfaced, depicting the serene demeanor of a Florida boater moments after a tragic collision that claimed the life of 15-year-old ballerina, Ella Riley Adler.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, was captured on video leaving his Coral Gables residence on his 42-foot Boston Whaler just after 3 p.m. on May 11. An hour later, tragedy struck as Alonso allegedly struck Adler while she was wakeboarding in Biscayne Bay the day before Mother’s Day.

Defense emphasizes the boater's unawareness of fatal collision

Witnesses reported the boat fleeing the scene, with the captain seemingly unaware of the deadly collision. Subsequent footage showed Alonso returning to dock his vessel around 4:30 p.m., appearing as if he had “no clue that he may have hit someone.”

“As the video shows, Bill was alone. He was not drinking. And he had no clue that he may have hit someone – he parked the boat at his home, he was calm, he didn’t clean the boat, and he did not try to hide anything,” His lawyer, Lauren Krasnoff, said in a statement. “Bill will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in every possible way.”

Krasnoff hopes the footage will dispel any “awful and unfounded rumors” of any cover-up, describing the event as an "unthinkable tragedy."

Insights into the fatal tragedy

Earlier this week, Krasnoff confirmed that Alonso, a Cuba native who immigrated to the US under Operation Peter Pan in the early 1960s, has no prior criminal record and abstains from alcohol. Additionally, he was not drinking on the day of the tragic incident involving Adler.

Adler was wakeboarding with friends to celebrate a birthday when she was allegedly struck by Alonso's boat. The Miami Beach high school student sustained fatal injuries and was found floating in the water with “a lot of blood” as reported by first responders.

Although her friends attempted to aid her by calling for help, Adler could not be saved. Alonso has been cooperating with authorities during their investigation, with his boat seized for examination by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials.

Community grieves the loss of Ella Riley Adler

Adler's family and the community are mourning the loss of the talented young dancer, who had performed in over 100 shows with the Miami City Ballet. A funeral service was held for the teen at Temple Beth Shalom synagogue on Monday, where heartfelt tributes were paid to her bright personality and remarkable talent.

“You were taken from us way too soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved. But you will always be here with us, and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever,” a letter penned by her heartbroken father, Matthew Adle, was read by her aunt at the beloved teen’s funeral. 

As the investigation remains ongoing, no charges have been filed against Alonso.