A tragic incident on Biscayne Bay has resulted in the death of a prominent South Florida CEO, Davide Veglia, during a two-boat collision on the evening of March 25. The collision also left his 14-year-old son injured. The shocking event has drawn widespread attention, and authorities are actively seeking information regarding the other vessel involved in the hit-and-run.
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Emergency services were alerted shortly after 8:00 PM on Wednesday when witnesses reported the collision between a dinghy, which Veglia and his son occupied, and another unidentified boat. According to various news outlets, including NBC affiliate WTVJ, the father and son had been navigating in a seven-foot dinghy in the Meloy Channel, located near Indian Creek and Biscayne Pointe, when they were struck and thrown into the water.
Arriving responders found the pair and promptly transported them to a local hospital. Tragically, 55-year-old Veglia succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. His son, however, survived but sustained a broken arm and remained under medical care as of March 26.
Witness accounts have added further detail to the sequence of events. Two teenagers working nearby reported hearing a loud crash at the time of the accident and immediately called emergency services after hearing the boy’s desperate cries for help. Samuel Londoño, one of the teens, recounted the chilling moment, stating, “Help, help, help! He said it like three times and the third time it just went silent.” Following that, Londoño noted the sound of a boat speeding away from the scene.
Authorities are now on the lookout for the other vessel involved in the collision, described as a dark blue boat with black bottom paint. They estimate it to be between 20 and 30 feet long, possibly equipped with four outboard motors. The last sighting of the boat occurred shortly before the collision, as it was moving north from the Meloy Channel.
Following the tragedy, tributes have poured in for Veglia, who was known for his role as the founder of ABTS Convention Services. Friends and family expressed their shock and sorrow at his untimely passing. Joao Moraes, a close friend, expressed his grief, stating, “I can’t stand that God took this man, too young. I lost my best friend.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation into the incident. They have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the status of the case or any leads on the fleeing vessel.
Authorities urge anyone with information or video footage relevant to the incident to come forward. The Wildlife Alert Hotline is available at 888-404-3922 for tips that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left mourning the loss of a dedicated individual who impacted many lives both personally and professionally. The search for answers continues, as many hope for justice and a resolution to this heartbreaking event.