An American Airlines flight attendant was fatally struck by a boat while snorkeling in South Florida, and her body was later discovered washed up on a beach. Kellie Melinda Williams, 31, was identified as the victim after her body was found by two fishermen near Hollywood Beach around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that Williams' body showed injuries consistent with a vessel strike, according to CBS Miami. Officials ruled her death as resulting from blunt force injuries.
Two fishermen helped pull Williams from the water. Emilio Benitez, a witness, told NBC6 South Florida: "Two fishermen were fishing right off the beach, and I saw them from my window pulling something, then I saw them drag something onto the shoreline. And it turned out to be a lady's body."
Investigators believe Williams was snorkeling or diving in the area of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park on June 3. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working with Hollywood detectives on the case.
No details have been released about the suspected boat or its occupants, and no charges have been filed. Williams was a flight attendant with American Airlines and had recently moved to Florida from California. She had gotten married within the last year.
Her parents described her as an accomplished snorkeler and a "great person." The Miami-based Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced her death in an Instagram post, expressing condolences to her family and colleagues.
American Airlines also released a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones, and colleagues at this time."
