A 31-year-old American Airlines flight attendant, Kellie Melinda Williams, has been found dead on a Florida beach in what authorities believe was a fatal boat strike while she was snorkeling.
Williams, who was based at Miami International Airport, was discovered in the surf near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park at the northern end of Hollywood Beach on the night of June 3.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), two fishermen found her body and alerted authorities to what was classified as a “fatal boating incident.”
Hollywood Police, which is jointly investigating the case with the FWC, said Williams had likely spent the day snorkeling in waters near the state park before the incident occurred.
Investigators said the injuries found on Williams were “consistent with a vessel strike,” suggesting she may have been hit by a boat while in the water.
“The FWC would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Kellie Williams during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have relevant information to come forward as investigations continue.
American Airlines also confirmed the death of the flight attendant, expressing condolences to her family and colleagues.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague,” the airline said in a statement. “Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues at this time.”
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) Miami branch announced Williams’ death on Instagram and said support services were available to members affected by the tragedy. The union also disclosed that condolence cards were being collected for her family at Miami International Airport.
Williams’ death marks the second tragedy involving an American Airlines crew member in just over two months.
In March, another American Airlines flight attendant, Eric Fernando Gutiérrez Molina, 31, was found dead in Colombia after being reported missing in Medellín.
The Medellín mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, announced that human remains discovered in a rural area between the municipality of Jericó and Puente Iglesias were identified with near certainty as those of the missing crew member.
According to local authorities, Gutiérrez Molina disappeared after a night out with a colleague, during which they reportedly met two strangers before moving to another location.
Announcing developments in the investigation, Mayor Gutiérrez wrote: “Let justice be done. Even, that those responsible be requested in extradition.”
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office later assumed responsibility for the U.S. side of the investigation, while American Airlines said it was actively cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
The airline added that it was doing “all we can to support our team member’s family” as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death continue.
