TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County State Attorney has charged a boater for the death of a 12-year-old girl on the Alafia River.
State Attorney Andrew Warren announced the charges following several months of investigation at a news conference on Monday.
Warren said, Andrew Miltner, 40, has been charged with Boating Under the Influence and Vessel Homicide in the death of Jasina Campbell.
"She was always happy from the time she was a baby, until her last day," said Donna Campbell, Jasina's grandmother.
That last day came on May 17. Jasina and a friend were riding on a tube being pulled by a boat when Miltner’s personal watercraft collided with the tube. Jasina died at the scene.
"This is every parent's worst nightmare," said Warren.
FWC investigators determined Miltner’s consumption of alcohol and reckless operation of his vessel caused her death.
The charges Miltner faces are second-degree felonies and carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if found guilty.
Warren said Miltner registered a .07 BAC four hours after the accident occurred.
"We look for a day that the person responsible, that justice will happen, and that person will have consequences for the choices they made that resulted in Jasina’s death," said Donna Campbell.
+RELATED | 1 dead, 1 injured after collision involving Jet Ski on Alafia River
FWC and other law enforcement agencies used today’s news conference to remind boaters how dangerous drinking and boating is—and how significant the consequences can be.
