A CEO from Florida tragically died in a hit-and-run boating incident that occurred in front of his teenage son. This happened when a large vessel, estimated to be around 30 feet, collided with their small dinghy during an evening outing south of Miami.
David Veglia, who established and led ABTS Convention Services based in South Florida, was fatally struck while navigating Biscayne Bay around 8:11 p.m., as reported by local news.
His 14-year-old son sustained a broken arm and was taken to the hospital.
Surveillance images released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed the suspected motorboat fleeing the scene shortly after the accident.
Officer George Raynaud from the FWC stated that the involved vessel remains unidentified but is described as being between 20 and 30 feet long, likely equipped with two outboard motors, and possibly dark blue with black bottom paint.
The father and son were aboard a 7-foot dinghy in a waterway near Miami Beach when the collision occurred, tossing them into the water.
Two teenagers who witnessed the event recounted hearing desperate cries for help from Veglia’s son.
One of the teens, Samuel Londoño, noted, “I hear a voice saying, ‘Help, help!’ I rushed to the dock and saw a silhouette.” He mentioned that he and his friend called for help while urging Veglia’s son to stay afloat.
Another witness, Enzo Avellino, explained how they worked to get the son out of the water, seeing him floating alongside his father, who was unconscious.
Both Veglia and his son were taken to a local hospital, but unfortunately, Veglia was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The boat that left the scene was seen last heading north from Biscayne Bay between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
As of now, police have not identified the individual operating the boat, and no arrests have occurred.
In the wake of the tragedy, Veglia’s close friend, João Moraes, expressed his sorrow, saying he couldn’t understand why someone as young as Veglia was taken. “I lost my best friend,” he stated. Their last conversation was just earlier that day, discussing plans for lunch.
Moraes reflected on Veglia’s love for football and added, “I’m in shock. I sat and cried all day because I lost the best person in my life.”
Veglia founded his medical communications firm in 1995 when he was just 25, and it has expanded to locations in Miami, San Francisco, Rome, and Belgrade.
