Miami real estate broker, George Pino, is facing serious charges after a tragic boating crash that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl on Labor Day in 2022. Pino, who was operating his 29-foot Robalo boat at the time of the incident, collided with a channel marker off Boca Chita, causing him, his wife, and 12 teenage girls to be thrown into the water.
Initially, Pino was charged with three careless boating misdemeanors, but these charges were dropped after a witness came forward, leading to a new felony homicide charge. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighter Matthew Smiley, who was present at the scene, Pino displayed signs of intoxication following the crash. Pino allegedly told investigators that he crashed into the marker due to losing control of his boat after being hit by a larger boat’s wake. Despite this, Pino refused to take a sobriety test without his attorney present.
The State Attorney’s Office was initially impeded in pursuing more severe charges due to the FWC report. However, with the new witness, they were able to access GPS data from Pino’s boat, which contradicted his account of the events leading up to the crash. The GPS data revealed that Pino’s vessel was on a direct collision course with the marker.
As a result of the crash, Lucy Fernandez lost her life, and Katy Puig was left permanently disabled. Both girls were students at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Southwest Miami-Dade. If Pino is found guilty of the new felony charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible boating practices and the severe consequences that can result from negligence on the water. It also highlights the significance of coming forward as a witness to provide crucial information that can aid in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Moving forward, it is essential for boaters to prioritize safety at all times and to adhere to regulations and guidelines to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. By promoting awareness and accountability within the boating community, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals enjoying recreational activities on the water.
