The ocean has a habit of spitting out what it kills. On June 3, around 8 p.m., it was the body of 31-year-old Kellie Melinda Williams. Two fishermen spotted her floating in the surf near Hollywood Beach’s North Boardwalk and Thomas Street. They called the cops. It was already too late.
Williams, a California native, made her living in the air as an American Airlines flight attendant. She died in the water. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), her injuries point to a brutal reality. A boat hit her.
Investigators are still piecing together the final moments. They suspect she was snorkeling or diving before the impact. The details are thin. The water was likely busy, and whoever was behind the wheel of the vessel apparently didn’t stop, or didn’t notice.
American Airlines offered the usual corporate condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague,” the airline stated, offering thoughts and support to her family. It is the standard script for a tragedy. Meanwhile, the FWC is left trying to find out who ran her down in the surf.
