SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A day after a boat collided with a pole near Boca Chita, injuring 11 people, one of victims has died at the hospital.
According to Mary Ross Agosta, director of communications of Archdiocese of Miami, students from Our Lady of Lourdes School and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart were involved in the incident.
On Monday, Our Lady of Lourdes confirmed a senior from the school, Luciana Fernandez, 17, died from injuries caused by the collision.
A statement was released by Lourdes president Sister Carmen T. Fernandez, that read as follows:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to you this afternoon to inform you that one of our seniors, Lucy Fernandez, passed away earlier today, following injuries sustained during a boating accident yesterday evening. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her parents, Andy and Meli Fernandez, as well as her brother, Kevin, and all her family and friends, and share in their grief during this time of great loss. Known for her smile, larger than life personality and signature laugh, Lucy was a joy to all who knew her.”
Fernandez went on to note that, in light of the tragedy, the school has postponed Welcome Week events, including the class welcome days, OLLA Fest, Welcome Dance, Back to School Night and Mother-Daughter Mass.
Instead, the school has planned a tribute day, Tuesday, for Fernandez.
“As we honor her legacy and love of the ‘daisy life,’ we ask all students and members of Team OLLA to bring a daisy in her memory,” continued the statement. “Our team of guidance counselors, campus ministers, theology teachers and other licensed professionals will be available to provide support, comfort and reassurance to all those who need it.”
The Archdiocese of Miami also asking people to pray for students recovering – in a statement saying:
“The boating accident that occurred yesterday involving students from Our Lady of Lourdes and others is a tragedy. At this moment, and the days to come, please keep each family affected in your prayers, and may all know of the presence of god, especially during this journey.”
Two other seniors, Katy Puig and Coco Aquilar, were identified among the injured.
The incident happened on Sunday when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami-Dade Police and and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the wreck, at around 6:45 p.m.
According to MDFR, a total of 14 individuals were on board.
One victim was unaccounted for but was eventually located.
First responders brought the victims to Black Point Marina in South Miami-Dade, where paramedics transported them to area hospitals.
MDFR officials said four of the victims were airlifted.
“Police arrived first and pulled the people out of the water,” said MDFR Capt. Juan Garrandes. “Some that were critical were taken to Elliot Key Island where rescue landed and transported some critical patients before we got there.”
7News cameras captured crews wheeling a female patient out of a rescue helicopter moments after it landed at Jackson South Medical Center. She was listed in critical condition.
MDFR officials said six of the victims suffered minor injuries. They were checked out by crews at the marina.
Authorities have not provided further details about the crash, as they continue to investigate.
A rosary on campus will take place at at Our Lady of Lourdes beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, followed by a Sunrise in Fernandez’s honor that will take place at Matheson Hammock Park & Marina on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.
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