FWC: Woman, 31, dies after being struck by boat while snorkeling off state park in Broward

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators are seeking additional information in the death of a Hollywood woman whose body was found washed ashore on a Broward County beach after authorities determined she was killed in a boat strike.

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FWC officials on Saturday said their officers were notified by the Hollywood Police Department on Thursday about the fatal incident.

Investigators said two fishermen spotted the victim in the surf near Hollywood Beach and called law enforcement at about 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The victim was identified by authorities as 31-year-old Kellie Melinda Williams.

FWC officials later confirmed Williams “had injuries consistent with a vessel strike.”

Williams, who was born in California and lived in South Florida, was an American Airlines flight attendant and experienced swimmer who had recently married. She disappeared while snorkeling Wednesday near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, according to authorities.

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Investigators said her body later washed ashore on Hollywood Beach, where witnesses reported seeing fishermen pull her from the water. The Broward Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her cause of death was blunt force injuries.

FWC officials said the investigation remains active and that a full report will be available through a public records request once the case is completed.

The agency also extended its sympathies to Williams’ family and loved ones.

The FWC is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about what happened to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

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