A weekend boat ride meant for fun ended in heartbreak when a high-speed crash in Key West took the life of 28-year-old Stephanie Rodriguez. Now, authorities have arrested Reinaldo Aquit, a 48-year-old man from Miami Beach, charging him with vessel homicide after investigators say his reckless driving caused the crash. The case has shaken South Florida and raised serious questions about safety on Florida’s crowded waterways.
What Happened in the Key West Boat Crash?
On November 7, 2024, Aquit was behind the wheel of a 39-foot speedboat during the popular “Poker Run” event—a high-speed boating rally from Miami to Key West. According to investigators, Aquit was traveling too fast for the narrow Calda Channel, a stretch of water known for its sharp turns and tricky navigation.
Reports say the boat flipped suddenly, throwing all six passengers overboard. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but Stephanie Rodriguez was pronounced dead, and four others were taken to the hospital with injuries.
The Arrest and Charges
After months of investigation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) determined that Aquit’s actions were “careless and dangerous.” On Friday, June 21, 2025, he was arrested by Monroe County deputies.
He now faces:
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One felony charge of vessel homicide
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Eight misdemeanor charges related to public safety violations
Aquit is being held on a $500,000 bond, and his arraignment is set for July 3.
Remembering Stephanie Rodriguez
Friends and family of Stephanie are devastated. On social media and fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, she was described as a bright, kind, and loving soul who “always brought light into any room.” Many are calling for justice and stricter boating rules to make sure tragedies like this don’t happen again.
Why This Case Is So Serious
This crash isn’t just another boating accident—it highlights a bigger problem on Florida’s waters:
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High-speed boating during events like Poker Runs often go unchecked
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Narrow channels like the one in Key West are too dangerous for reckless driving
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Boating laws in Florida are seen by many as too relaxed, with little enforcement
FWC Major Alberto Maza said,
“The tragic death of this young woman was completely avoidable.”
His words have added weight to the growing calls for stronger regulations and better safety awareness among boat operators.
What Happens Next?
As Aquit heads to court, prosecutors will try to prove his reckless behavior directly caused the fatal crash. If convicted of vessel homicide, he could face years in prison. The case could also become a turning point for boating safety laws in Florida, especially during high-speed events.