A Florida man involved in a fatal boating accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to probation as part of a plea agreement.
Carlos Guillermo “Bill” Alonso, 79, avoided jail time after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to careless operation of a vessel.
Under the terms of the deal, Alonso will serve six months of probation and must complete a mandatory boater safety course.
The victim, Ella Adler, was celebrating her birthday in 2024 while wakeboarding near Key Biscayne. Witnesses say she fell into the water and was attempting to stay afloat when Alonso’s boat struck her. She died at the scene.
The case has drawn public attention and criticism, with many questioning whether the punishment fits the severity of the loss.
The incident has also reignited discussions around boating safety enforcement and accountability in Florida’s busy waterways.
