Teen Killed, Another Hospitalized in Fort Lauderdale Personal Watercraft Crash

A tragic personal watercraft accident on the Intracoastal Waterway has left one teen girl dead and another hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 12, around 3:30 p.m., near the 2800 block of Northeast 24th Court, prompting a swift emergency response from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

According to officials, the two teenage girls were riding together on a single personal watercraft when the vehicle crashed. Emergency responders rushed both victims to Broward Health Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials confirmed that a 14-year-old girl later succumbed to her injuries. The identity of the victims has not been released.

FWC investigators are currently on the scene, working to determine the cause of the crash, including whether operator error, equipment failure, or environmental conditions contributed to the collision. Witnesses reported seeing multiple personal watercraft in the area at the time of the accident.

Legal Considerations and Potential Claims

Accidents involving personal watercraft can lead to complex legal issues, particularly when minors are involved or when serious injuries or fatalities occur. Families affected by these incidents may have several potential legal avenues.

If the accident was caused by another operator’s recklessness, failure to follow boating regulations, or failure to maintain their personal watercraft, the injured party or family members of a deceased victim may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost parental support, and emotional damages.

If the watercraft suffered a mechanical or design defect that contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or distributor could be held responsible under product liability laws.

If the crash occurred in a managed marina, rental facility, or on private property where negligence played a role, there may also be liability on the part of property owners or operators.

FWC and local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of personal watercraft safety, including wearing life jackets, maintaining safe speeds, and avoiding crowded waterways. Teens and young operators should be properly supervised and trained on boating safety courses to minimize the risk of accidents.

Investigators will continue to examine the scene, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses to determine the factors that led to this tragic crash. Families and the community are mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for the recovery of the surviving teen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal watercraft accident, or if you have lost a family member in a crash, consulting a qualified Florida personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights. An experienced lawyer can assess liability, secure evidence, and guide families through claims for compensation related to medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we handle all aspects of boating accidents and wrongful death claims in Florida. Our team provides personalized attention to families during these challenging times and works tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable.