Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission arrested a 48-year-old Miami Beach man for his involvement in a boat crash in a Key West canal that claimed a woman’s life last November.
On June 20, FWC investigators arrested Reinaldo Aquit on a warrant for nine charges, including a felony charge of vessel homicide and eight misdemeanors. The charges stem from the November 2024 crash, which resulted in the death of 28-year-old Stephanie Rodriguez of Hialeah.
On Nov. 7, 2024, FWC said, Aquit was operating a 39-foot speed boat with seven passengers on board. The boat was traveling from Miami to Key West as part of a poker run event.
According to FWC, Aquit was driving carelessly, traveling at high speed and disregarding navigational rules.
While within Calda Channel, a narrow channel north of Key West, Aquit took a sharp turn, causing his vessel to roll. Six passengers were thrown from the vessel, including Rodriguez who died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the incident.
“The tragic death of this young woman was completely avoidable,” said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo regional commander. “We continue to think of Ms. Rodriguez’s friends and family as they grieve her loss.”
In addition to the felony vessel homicide charge, Aquit is facing three misdemeanors for violating navigational rules causing serious bodily injury or death and five misdemeanors for reckless operation of a vessel. His bond was set at $500,000.
