Parasailing Accident Kills Mom, Injures 2 Kids In Florida Keys

PIGEON KEY, FL — A mother is dead and two children are injured after a parasailing accident Monday in the Florida Keys.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. when the victims’ parasail struck the Old Seven Mile Bridge near Pigeon Key, authorities said.

Supraja Alaparthi, 33, died, while her son, 10-year-old Sriakshith Alaparthi, suffered minor injuries, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Her nephew, Vishant Sadda, 9, was also hurt and had to be taken to Miami for treatment. All three were visiting Florida from Chicago's northern suburbs.

The accident happened after a strong gust of wind controlling the trio's parasail led the captain of the commercial motorboat to which the parasail was tethered to cut the line, causing the victims to be dragged across the water until they hit the bridge, the commission said. A good Samaritan, identified by the Miami Herald as tarpon guide John Callion, took the parasailers aboard his vessel and brought them to a nearby restaurant, where they received care from emergency medical technicians, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Callion estimated the trio were dragged for at least a mile before hitting the bridge, according to the Miami Herald, which reported that wind gusts Monday in the area of the crash were as high as 32 mph.

“Our condolences are with the family and loved ones of those affected by Monday’s accident,” said Capt. Jason Ingram, Coast Guard Sector Key West commander, in a news release. “This was a tragedy for a family seeking to enjoy their visit to the Florida Keys. Our team, and our partners at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are investigating the accident to determine the causal factors and mitigate future casualties to make the waterways as safe as possible.”