Elizabeth Goldenberg-22, her parents, and sister were participating in an airboat tour operated by The River of Grass Adventures when the airboat they were riding in stopped suddenly throwing them and the captain of the boat off the airboat. Tragically, Elizabeth was pinned under the boat’s engine cage and died from her injuries at Kendall Regional Medical Center.
Per the captain of the boat, Steve George Gagne, the boat “left the trail and when the vessel returned to the trail, it stopped abruptly.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is investigating the accident and is not currently releasing any more information.
This death has deeply saddened the Miami community as Elizabeth had graduated the day prior to the accident at the top of her class. Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, whose family member was also graduating, attended the graduation ceremony and has expressed his sadness over Elizabeth’s death. Abruzzo says he plans to speak with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to determine whether safety standards need to be updated and if so he’d be willing to file that legislation next session.
We extend our deepest condolences to Elizabeth’s family and loved ones.
