It is with profound sorrow and heartbreak that we announce the passing of Mila Yankelevich, 7, and Erin Ko, 13, two vibrant young girls whose lives were tragically cut short in a devastating boating accident in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner confirmed on Thursday that both girls died from accidental drowning.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a youth sailing lesson organized by the Miami Yacht Club, a popular program dedicated to teaching young sailors the art of navigating the water. The girls were on a small sailboat that, under still-unexplained circumstances, collided with a barge near Hibiscus Island, a bustling area frequented by recreational and commercial boaters alike.
A Global Tragedy That Crossed Borders
Mila Yankelevich, a joyful 7-year-old from Argentina, was the youngest daughter of a family well-known in Argentina’s entertainment industry. Mila was remembered by family, friends, and those who knew of her story as a radiant soul — a child with an infectious smile, wide-eyed curiosity, and a gentle heart. Her death has been deeply mourned both in South Florida and across Argentina, where media outlets have paid tribute to the family and offered condolences.
Erin Ko, just 13 years old, was a recent arrival to the United States from Chile, where she previously attended San Pedro Nolasco School in Santiago. Her former school community described her as “well-rounded, approachable, and empathetic.” Erin had a love for volleyball, and she participated enthusiastically in extracurriculars like trapeze and aerial fabric workshops, showcasing both courage and grace beyond her years. Her vibrant energy and kind demeanor left a lasting impression on classmates and teachers alike.
The Incident and Ongoing Investigation
According to officials, all children aboard the sailboat were wearing life jackets. Despite this precaution, the collision with the larger vessel proved catastrophic. Two other young participants sustained injuries in the incident:
- Calena Gruber, age 7, was treated and later released with stitches and minor injuries. Her family expressed gratitude to the public for their support through a heartfelt social media update.
- Arielle Itke Bas Rivka Aliza, an 11-year-old girl identified by a Bal Harbour synagogue, remains in critical condition, and the community continues to pray for her recovery.
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the investigation, working in collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and local law enforcement. Officials are examining the sailboat and barge involved, conducting interviews with instructors and eyewitnesses, and awaiting toxicology reports to help piece together the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
Impact and Community Mourning
The Miami Yacht Club has suspended its youth sailing program as a result of the accident, out of respect for the victims and to allow a thorough safety review. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the local sailing community and international families connected through their children’s participation.
Vigils have begun to appear at the Miami Yacht Club, where grieving families, friends, and members of the public are placing flowers, candles, and photos to honor Mila and Erin’s memory. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and shared grief, especially from communities in Argentina, Chile, and South Florida, who now share the burden of this loss.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” one local sailor said, “and the entire sailing community is mourning these two precious lives that were taken far too soon.”
Remembering Mila and Erin
Mila and Erin were more than victims of a tragic accident — they were bright lights, full of life, love, and endless potential. Though their time here was brief, their spirits will live on in the hearts of those they touched. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in the face of unimaginable grief.
Details regarding memorial services and commemorative events will be shared by the families in the coming days. Until then, the public is encouraged to honor Mila and Erin by offering prayers, donating to water safety programs, or simply holding their loved ones a little closer.
May their memories be a blessing, and may their families find strength in the love that surrounds them.
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