An American Airlines flight attendant has died after being struck by a boat while snorkelling in South Florida. Her body was discovered washed up on a beach by two fishermen.
Tragic discovery at Hollywood Beach
Kellie Melinda Williams, 31, was found in the surf near Hollywood Beach around 8pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The fishermen who spotted her body alerted authorities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that her injuries were consistent with a vessel strike.
Williams was publicly identified on Saturday, with officials ruling that she died from blunt force injuries. According to officials, she had been snorkelling or diving in the area of Dr Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park on June 3.
Investigation underway
Investigators from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working with Hollywood detectives on the case. No details have been released about the boat suspected in Williams' death or the people on board, and no charges have been filed.
Witness Emilio Benitez recalled seeing the fishermen pulling something from the water. He told NBC6 South Florida: "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."
A life remembered
Williams' parents described their daughter as an accomplished snorkeller and a "great person." The California native had recently moved to Florida and had been married within the last year. She worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines, based in Miami.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced her death in an Instagram post on Friday, expressing deep sadness and offering condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. American Airlines also released 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."
The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
