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The man who failed to stop his boat after fatally striking a 15-year-old high school student and ballerina in 2024 has pleaded guilty in connection with the case. fatal boating incident.
The man’s lawyers previously said he did not realize he had hit anyone with his boat, according to WTVJ.
Ella Adler, the granddaughter of Michael Adler, then the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, was wakeboarding and fell into the water, according to the Key Biscayne Independentwho noted that boater Carlos Guillermo “Bill” Alonso fatally struck her in his 42-foot Boston Whaler.
Florida men charged in fatal boat hit-and-run of 15-year-old ballerina
Ella Alder, 15, was killed in a hit-and-run boat accident in May 2024. (Courtesy of the Adler family)
A statement provided to Fox News Digital by Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, describes the incident as a “tragic accident”.
“Our hearts go out to the Adler family. This was a tragic accident and, of course, Bill never intended to hurt anyone that day. Bill’s decision to plead guilty was motivated by his hope that it would cause less pain for Ella’s family and help shine a spotlight on the Ella Riley Adler Foundation,” the statement said.
Alonso pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor reckless boating, according to the Miami Herald.
Carlos Guillermo Alonso’s lawyer, Lauren Field Krasnoff, is pictured helping him out of a car in 2024. (WSVN)
The teenager killed in the boating incident had played in the Nutcracker more than 100 times with Miami City Ballet, the Key Biscayne Independent noted.
“Ella was extraordinary. She radiated joy, kindness and creativity in every room she entered. She was a devoted daughter, a beloved sister and a fierce and loyal friend,” Adler’s father, Matthew, said in a statement read in court, according to the outlet. “Her life was filled with love, laughter, dancing and meaning. Ella didn’t just live. She danced throughout her life.”
ON JULY 4, BOAERS WARNED OF DEADLY DANGER AT THE WATER’S EDGE WITH SUMMER ADVICE TO SAVE LIVES
Carlos Guillermo Alonso is seen getting out of a vehicle with his lawyer. (WSVN)
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The outlet reported that Alonso was sentenced to 12 months of probation as part of a plea deal and could end his probation after six months. Provided he meets the conditions set by the court, he will be able to ask the court to overturn his guilty plea, the media outlet reported.
Edmund Richard Hartley, the captain of the ship that was towing Adler, was also charged, but he pleaded not guilty, according to the Miami Herald.
