A deadly boating accident in the Florida Keys on Friday night claimed the life of a 24-year-old North Carolina woman and left three others critically injured. The crash involved a motorboat colliding with a sailboat in Florida Bay, and authorities believe alcohol played a significant role.

Joseph Mansfield, Chief Assistant State Attorney for Monroe County, described the crash as a tragic and preventable incident. “The motorboat’s operator appeared severely intoxicated,” Mansfield said. “Alcohol seems to have been a contributing factor in this devastating event.”

The collision occurred around 8 p.m. Friday night near mile marker 96 in Key Largo when a 21-foot motorboat carrying four individuals struck a 34-foot sailboat anchored in Button Sound, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). All four passengers on the motorboat were ejected into the water.

Sydney Cole, 24, of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, was found deceased in the water. Three others were rescued with injuries, including 58-year-old Lillian Cairo of Oakland Park, who was airlifted to a Miami-Dade hospital in critical condition.

The motorboat’s operator, 61-year-old Guy Erdman, also of Oakland Park, has not been charged as of Monday morning. However, his son, 31-year-old Christopher Erdman, was arrested after the crash. According to Mansfield, Christopher boarded the sailboat after the collision and attacked one of its occupants. “The suspect assaulted a man on the sailboat, leading to charges of felony battery and aggravated assault,” Mansfield explained.

The man assaulted, 71-year-old William Milner of Yorktown, Virginia, declined medical treatment for his injuries. Neither Milner nor his wife, 70-year-old Paula Milner, was harmed in the crash itself, according to reports.

“This tragedy underscores the dangers of boating under the influence,” Mansfield said. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are working diligently to ensure justice is served.”

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances leading to the crash and whether additional charges may be filed.

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