Madeira Beach, FL – A 48-year-old New York man racing a jet ski in Florida on Sunday afternoon injured two children after allegedly abandoning his WaveRunner mid-race, causing a crash that sent both victims to the hospital.
Incident Overview
A dangerous incident occurred near Johns Pass in Madeira Beach, Florida, when Daniel Grubert, a resident of Piermont, New York, was allegedly racing his rented Yamaha WaveRunner against a friend’s jet ski. The race took a tragic turn when Grubert, who was reportedly intoxicated, abandoned his vessel mid-race, resulting in a collision that left two children, ages 7 and 8, seriously injured.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the crash took place around 2:30 p.m. Grubert’s actions have led to multiple charges, including two counts of BUI causing serious bodily injury and one count of reckless operation of a vessel.
The Sequence of Events
Grubert was racing an acquaintance on another Yamaha WaveRunner when the accident occurred. While racing, Grubert failed to notice Walter Wodzien, who was operating a WaveRunner with two children on board. By the time Grubert noticed Wodzien’s jet ski in his path, he attempted to jump off his vessel, abandoning it as it crashed into Wodzien’s jet ski.
According to investigators, Grubert was not looking ahead when he made the decision to leave his jet ski behind. “He turned around, realized a crash was about to occur, and jumped off the WaveRunner,” the sheriff’s office explained. This left the unmanned jet ski to run into the victims’ vessel.
The Victims’ Condition
The Madeira Beach Fire Department responded to the scene, rescuing the two children from the water and rushing them to a local hospital. One child sustained life-threatening injuries, including a near drowning, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, Walter Wodzien, the adult operator of the jet ski, was unharmed during the incident.
Impairment and Arrest
Upon being interviewed by authorities, Grubert admitted to consuming one can of Twisted Tea, an alcoholic beverage containing 5% alcohol by volume. Despite his claim of only consuming a single drink, investigators noticed several signs of impairment. Grubert showed an odor of alcohol, red eyes, and thick speech. After failing field sobriety tests, Grubert was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.
The investigation, led by the Pinellas County Marine Unit and the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), found that Grubert was operating his jet ski while intoxicated, contributing to the crash. He remains in custody at the Pinellas County Jail, according to online records.
Legal Implications
The incident highlights the dangers of impaired operation on watercrafts and the severe consequences of reckless behavior while under the influence. Grubert’s charges for BUI causing serious bodily injury and reckless vessel operation are serious, and he could face significant legal penalties if convicted.
Safety Precautions for Watercraft Operators
This unfortunate accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staying focused and sober when operating watercraft. Authorities urge all jet ski and boat operators to stay vigilant, avoid distractions, and refrain from consuming alcohol while on the water.
Conclusion
The crash involving Daniel Grubert and the two injured children underscores the tragic consequences of impaired driving on water. While one child fights for their life, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of safety on the water.
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