Crime & Safety
Jet Ski Operator Killed After Boat Runs Over Him In Madeira Beach
A jet ski operator has died after crashing into a boat on Madeira Beach Friday.
MADEIRA BEACH, FL — A jet ski operator has died being run over by a boat on Madeira Beach Friday.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the accident happened at 4:50 p.m. in the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway.
Robert Krysztofowicz, 56, of East Aurora, New York, was operating a Yamaha jet ski, traveling north in the Intracoastal Waterway. Deputies say 35-year-old Jesse Mayer of Redington Drive in Redington Beach was operating a 37-foot center console Freeman boat, traveling north as well.
Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beachesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Deputies said Mayer's boat was traveling at a high speed through a slow wake zone and struck the rear of the jet ski. The boat then ran over the jet ski and Krysztofowicz, causing fatal injuries.
Krysztofowicz was brought to the Madeira Beach Marina at 503 150th Ave. in Madeira Beach, and was pronounced dead by deputies at the scene. Speed and impairment appear to be factors in the crash.
Find out what's happening in Pinellas Beachesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.