A FLORIDA flight attendant was fatally struck by a boat in a freak snorkelling accident before her body washed ashore.
Two fishermen discovered American Airlines worker Kellie Melinda Williams, 31, dead on Hollywood Beach, a popular diving spot between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
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Kellie Melinda Williams, 31, was found dead on a popular Florida beach Credit: Local10
The California native was described as a great person and an accomplished snorkeler Credit: Local10
Williams’ injuries were “consistent with a vessel strike”, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said according to CBS Miami.
Detectives said the late flight attendant had been snorkelling earlier on Wednesday before her body was found around 8pm that evening.
The California native worked for the world’s largest airline at Miami International Airport.
She was publicly identified by officials on Saturday as they ruled she died from blunt force injuries.
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Hollywood police released details on the nature of Williams‘ death in a statement less than 24 hours after she was found.
It read: “Based on the investigation, it appears the deceased was snorkeling/diving in the area of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park on June 3.
“Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation investigators are working in partnership with Hollywood detectives on this case.”
No details on the boat suspected of causing Williams’ death have been released.
Willliams had recently moved to South Florida and got married in the last year Credit: Local10
Two fisherman discovered her body washed up a few miles from where was believed to have gone swimming Credit: Local10
Police have not charged anyone in connection with the tragedy.
One witness recalled seeing people pulling Williams’ body out of the water Wednesday night.
“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,” Emilio Benitez told Jattvibe6 South Florida.
“And it turned out to be a lady’s body.”
Williams’ parents described their daughter as a great person and an accomplished snorkeler in a conversation with the outlet.
The 31-year-old had recently moved to South Florida and had tied the knot with her partner in the last year.
American Airlines paid tribute to their late employee, writing in 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.”
Investigators have launched a probe into the incident and asked the public for help identifying those involved.
Williams’ death comes less than six months after 56-year-old Heather Asendorf was found dead on Hollywood Beach.
Her body was discovered wrapped in a blanket at around 7am on Boxing Day by someone walking in the area.
Asendorf’s death was ruled a homicide and Brandon Ward McCray, 28, was taken into custody on January 5 charged with sexual battery, kidnapping, battery and battery by strangulation.
