A woman’s body was discovered on Hollywood Beach, with authorities suspecting she was hit by a boat. The body of 31-year-old Kellie Melinda Williams was found on June 3, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said it had injuries consistent with a vessel strike.
Investigation Ongoing
Two fishermen saw the body in the surf near New Mexico Street and called authorities. Witness Emilio Benitez described the scene, saying, “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. And it turned out to be a lady’s body.”
Hollywood Police said it appeared she had been snorkeling or diving earlier that day in the area of Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park when a watercraft struck her head. FWC officials said they believed she entered the ocean at around 10:30 a.m. through Beach Access 1. She was wearing a light blue shirt, black shorts, and had a floating dive flag with her.
Investigators want anyone who was in the area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. who may have witnessed an incident involving her or has information about vessels operating in that area up to approximately 1 mile offshore to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Tips can be made anonymously.
Williams’ parents initially spoke with NBC6 by phone but said they were too distraught to appear on camera. They shared family photos and described their daughter as a great person and an accomplished snorkeler. Her father spoke to NBC6 again, describing his daughter as someone who loved South Florida, God’s creation, and especially hockey, describing her as a Kings fan at heart.
Williams was recently married and was a flight attendant for American Airlines. She is originally from California and recently moved to South Florida, where she lived in Hollywood. American Airlines said 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.”
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
