A fun afternoon on the water in Florida turned to tragedy when a speedboat capsized, claiming the lives of three people and leaving a fourth fighting for his life.
The Caloosahatchee River Tragedy
According to officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the incident occurred around 4pm on Wednesday, November 29, near the Cape Coral Yacht Club in Fort Myers. The 39-foot vessel, carrying four people, suddenly overturned in the Caloosahatchee River.
The victims have been identified as Craig Millett, 56, and his wife Brenna Millett, 49, from Biddeford, Maine, and their friend, Rebecca Knight, 48. The fourth occupant, Neal Kirby, survived but was critically injured.
Witness reports cited by local media suggest the boat may have been racing another vessel at high speed just before it flipped. Video footage and eyewitness accounts confirmed the boat's hull was visible above the water, indicating a complete capsize.
Search, Recovery, and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Brenna Millett and Rebecca Knight were found near the overturned boat and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. An extensive underwater search was launched for Craig Millett, whose body was recovered the following day.
Neal Kirby was pulled from the water alive. His father confirmed that as of Monday, Kirby had undergone surgery, been taken off life support, and was showing signs of improvement, though he remains in a critical condition.
The FWC has recovered the boat for a full inspection. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined if drugs or alcohol were involved.
Remembering the Victims
The couple, who were renovating a home in Cape Coral and splitting their time between Florida and Maine, were described by friends as experienced and passionate boaters. They leave behind two adult children in Maine.
All three deceased were remembered as pillars of their community in Florida, where they volunteered for 'Family Initiative,' an organisation supporting autistic children. The charity posted a heartfelt tribute, calling them "fierce advocates and deeply passionate champions."
The statement highlighted Rebecca's "infectious laugh," Brenna's "warm smile and kind, encouraging words," and Craig's "boundless generosity." Neal Kirby also volunteered with the group.
Craig and Brenna worked in real estate, with Brenna noted as a "talented and dedicated agent" whose kindness matched her professionalism. An obituary described the pair as a "beacon of love, support, and joy."
Rebecca Knight has been remembered by friends on social media as "friendly, loving, and giving." Her funeral is scheduled for December 12.
