A man has confessed to being involved in a tragic boating accident that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old student and ballerina in 2024. He admitted guilt in the incident where he failed to halt his boat after the collision.
According to WTVJ, the man’s defense team previously argued that he was unaware of the collision with a person.
Ella Adler, who was the granddaughter of Michael Adler, the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium at the time, was wakeboarding when she fell into the water. Reports from the Key Biscayne Independent indicate that Carlos Guillermo “Bill” Alonso struck her with his 42-foot Boston Whaler, leading to her untimely death.
In May 2024, the boating accident claimed the life of 15-year-old Ella Adler. (Courtesy of the Adler Family)
Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, issued a statement to Fox News Digital describing the event as a “tragic accident.”
“Our deepest sympathies are with the Adler family. This was an unforeseen tragedy, and Bill had no intention of causing harm that day. His choice to plead guilty reflects his desire to reduce the Adler family’s suffering and bring attention to the Ella Riley Adler Foundation,” the statement explained.
Alonso pleaded guilty on Monday to misdemeanor careless boating, according to The Miami Herald.
Carlos Guillermo Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, helps him out of a car in 2024. (WSVN)
The teen killed in the boating incident had performed in “The Nutcracker” over 100 times with the Miami City Ballet, the Key Biscayne Independent noted.
“Ella was extraordinary. She radiated joy, kindness and creativity in every room she entered. She was a devoted daughter, a beloved sister and a fierce and loyal friend,” Adler’s father, Matthew, said in a statement read in court, according to the outlet.
“Her life was filled with love, laughter, dance and meaning. Ella didn’t just live. She danced through life.”
Carlos Guillermo Alonso exits a vehicle with his attorney. (WSVN)
The outlet reported that Alonso was sentenced to 12 months of probation as part of a plea agreement and that he is able to have his probation terminated after six months. Provided he fulfills the court’s conditions, he will be able to petition the court for his guilty pleas to be vacated, the outlet reported.
Edmund Richard Hartley, the captain of the vessel that had been towing Adler, has also been charged, but he has pleaded not guilty, according to The Miami Herald.
