Investigators are asking witnesses to come forward three weeks after a woman’s body washed ashore at Hollywood Beach after authorities suspect she was hit by a boat, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a video statement on Tuesday.
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The body of 31-year-old Kellie Melinda Williams was discovered on June 3, and the FWC said it had injuries consistent with a vessel strike.
Two fishermen saw the body in the surf near New Mexico Street and called authorities, FWC officials said.
“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,” witness Emilio Benitez said. “And it turned out to be a lady’s body.”
Hollywood Police said it appeared she had been snorkeling or diving earlier that day in the area of Dr. Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park when a watercraft struck her head.
FWC officials said they believed she entered the ocean at around 10:30 a.m. through Beach Access 1. She was wearing a light blue shirt, black shorts and she had a floating dive flag with her.
Investigators want anyone who was in the area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. “who may have witnessed an incident involving her or has information about vessels operating in that area up to approximately 1 mile offshore to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.”
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Tips can be made anonymously.
Williams mourned by family and colleagues
Williams’ parents initially spoke with NBC6 by phone but said they were too distraught to appear on camera. They shared family photos and described their daughter as a great person and an accomplished snorkeler.
Her father spoke to NBC6 again on Tuesday, describing his daughter as someone who loved South Florida, God’s creators and especially hockey, describing her as a Kings fan at heart.
He said she was doing everything right, and now, it would be good to have closure.
Williams was recently married and was a flight attendant for American Airlines. She is originally from California and recently moved to South Florida, where she lived in Hollywood.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague,” American Airlines said in a statement. “Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues at this time.”
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The incident remains under investigation.