An American Airlines flight attendant died after being struck by a boat while snorkeling in South Florida, authorities said. Her body was later found washed ashore on a beach.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Kellie Melinda Williams, was discovered in the surf near Hollywood Beach by two fishermen around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, she had injuries consistent with a vessel strike, CBS Miami reported.
Officials confirmed on Saturday that Williams had died from blunt force injuries.
Investigators said the incident likely occurred on June 3 while she was snorkeling or diving near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials are working alongside Hollywood police detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Williams’ parents said their daughter was an accomplished snorkeler and described her as a “great person,” according to Local 10.
The California native had recently moved to Florida and had married within the past year.
Two fishermen pulled Williams’ body from the water on June 3, 2026, before contacting authorities, officials said.
Originally from California, she had recently relocated to Florida and had married within the past year.
The Miami-based Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced her death in an Instagram post on Friday, expressing condolences to colleagues and loved ones. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and fellow MIA Flight Attendant, Kellie Williams,” the organization wrote. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Kellie’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Williams worked for American Airlines, which also issued a statement to NBC 6 South Florida saying, “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.”
