A 31-year-old American Airlines flight attendant was found dead on a South Florida beach after officials say her injuries were consistent with a vessel strike. The body of Kellie Melinda Williams was discovered in the surf near Hollywood Beach, and investigators are still trying to determine exactly what happened.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified Williams and said her body was found on June 3 at about 8 p.m. near North Boardwalk and Thomas Street, where two fishermen spotted her in the water and immediately alerted police.
Investigation into possible vessel strike
Authorities said the injuries were consistent with being struck by a boat. The case remains under investigation, and officials have not released additional details about what led to the fatal incident.
Investigators believe Williams may have been snorkeling or diving before her death. That detail has not been confirmed publicly, and officials have not said whether the possible water activity was directly linked to the incident.
Who Williams was
Williams was originally from California and worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. Her death has drawn attention not only because of the beachside discovery, but also because of the unanswered questions surrounding how she ended up in the surf.
American Airlines expressed grief over the loss in a statement to ABC News, saying, “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.”
What authorities have said so far
The FWC has taken the lead on the investigation, while local police responded after the body was reported by the fishermen. Officials have not announced any additional findings, and ABC News said it reached out to the agency for comment.
At this stage, the case remains focused on the circumstances of Williams’ death and the possibility that a vessel strike caused the injuries found by investigators.
Read more at: abcnews.com
