George Pino, a Florida real estate mogul, has been charged with felony homicide after a boat crash that resulted in the death of a teenager. The incident occurred on Labor Day weekend in 2022 when Pino was operating a boat with several passengers, including teenagers, for his daughter’s 18th birthday. The boat collided with a channel marker near Boca Chita Key, causing the passengers to be thrown into the water and the boat to capsize. The crash resulted in the death of 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and left another teenager with a traumatic brain injury.
Following the fatal crash, bodycam footage captured Pino speaking with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers. Pino claimed that the crash occurred after another boat caused a wave that led him to lose control of his vessel. He mentioned that two of the girls were sitting in the back seat of the boat, several others were in the front, and his wife was in the middle of the boat. Pino initially stated that he had only consumed two beers while operating the boat.
Despite declining to have his blood drawn or take a breathalyzer test at the scene, Pino assured officers that he felt fine and had been operating boats for a long time. An incident report revealed that his vessel contained multiple empty alcoholic bottles and cans, a champagne bottle, and a partially consumed bottle of liquor. However, investigators did not suspect that Pino was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Pino was initially charged with three misdemeanors for the collision with the channel marker.
The Puig family, whose daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash, accused Pino of speeding and supplying alcohol to the teenagers on board. They filed a lawsuit against Pino, which resulted in a $16 million settlement in May. Following a re-evaluation of the case and a claim from a Miami-Dade firefighter that alcohol was a factor in the crash, prosecutors filed felony homicide charges against Pino. If found guilty, Pino could face up to 15 years in prison for his role in the fatal boat wreck.
The charges against Pino have brought renewed attention to the tragic incident and the implications of alcohol consumption while operating a vessel. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless boating and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families. The legal proceedings surrounding the crash highlight the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones affected by such tragedies.
As the case against Pino unfolds, it raises questions about responsibility, accountability, and the need for stricter regulations regarding alcohol consumption and boating. The emotional toll on the families of the victims, as well as the broader community, underscores the significance of ensuring safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, the outcome of this legal battle will not only impact Pino and those involved but also serve as a cautionary tale for others about the potential risks associated with irresponsible behavior while operating water vessels.
