Tragic Kendall Canal Jet Ski Accident Claims Life of 20-Year-Old Man

A fatal personal-watercraft incident in Kendall, Florida took the life of a 20-year-old man, identified by his friends as Giancarlo Gonzalez. This tragedy is sadly, not unique. It underscores the dangers of personal-watercraft accidents on South Florida waterways.

Timeline of the incident

The incident happened on Friday evening, Sept 26, 2025. According to estimates, it took place around 7 p.m. The reports indicate that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers were notified of a potential missing boater in the Kendall area of Southwest Miami-Dade. Investigators then located an unoccupied personal-watercraft (Jet Ski) in a Kendall canal near SW 117th Avenue and Bird Road. The report and discovery of the abandoned Jet Ski led FWC officers, local law enforcement, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to carry out an overnight water search using boats, flashlights, and aerial support.

Early on the morning of Saturday, September 27, officers discovered Gonzalez’s body in a canal nearby. The FWC announced the recovery of the body, and confirmed that a full investigation is underway. So far, the authorities have not announced the official cause of the crash and manner of death.

What we know so far

The FWC is the lead investigative agency for boating and personal-watercraft incidents in Florida. At present, reports do not indicate any evidence of foul play. It’s unclear what other issues might have led to the tragedy, but equipment malfunction, loss of control, collision, or operator error are all possible causes. The FWC will make its final report to the public after it concludes the investigation.

Remembering Giancarlo Gonzalez

Friends and family spoke about Gonzalez, referring to him as a “beautiful soul” and beloved friend with an infectious sense of humor and laugh. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media and throughout the Kendall community.

Dangers of personal-watercraft accidents in Florida

Florida consistently leads the nation in the number of boating accidents, including those involving personal-watercraft (PWC). Miami-Dade County recorded the highest number out of all counties in the state. Common contributing factors include:

• Inexperienced or untrained riders
• Speeding or reckless operation
• Equipment failure or poor maintenance
• Alcohol or drug use
• Insufficient lighting or nighttime riding
• Weather and water-current conditions

Even experienced riders can suffer fatal injuries. Riders may be thrown from the craft, struck by another vessel, or become trapped beneath the watercraft. Approaching boating and operation of a PWC cautiously can help, as can using safety equipment like a personal flotation device (PFD).

Legal issues and potential liability

Under Florida Statutes, operating a personal-watercraft requires compliance with safety equipment, age, and training requirements. Potential parties that may share responsibility in a fatal PWC crash include:

• Rental company or tour operator: These companies may fail to provide adequate safety instruction or equipment.
• Manufacturer: In cases where a PWC is defective because of the design or mechanical defects, the manufacturer may be at fault.
• Other boaters or operators: People who operate their vessels negligently or recklessly are often at fault in crashes.
• Maintenance provider: A person or company that performed maintenance improperly serviced or carried out faulty repairs, they may be at fault.

If it’s possible to establish negligence, families may be able to pursue a wrongful-death claim under Florida law or, in some cases, under federal maritime law.

The role of maritime law in PWC cases

On the water, many Florida PWC incidents fall under admiralty or maritime law jurisdiction (when on navigable waterways or bodies of water), while others might be governed by state law (if they occur on non-navigable waters, like a small pond or man-made lake). Which jurisdiction applies depends on the location of the accident. A maritime attorney can help you understand which laws apply, and how you can pursue compensation depending on the appropriate laws.

How Hickey Law Firm helps families after watercraft tragedies

Triple board-certified trial lawyer John H. (Jack) Hickey has decades of experience in maritime and admiralty law. He and his dedicated legal team can conduct independent investigations, consult with marine-safety experts, and preserve critical evidence from vessels and rental operators. For families who’ve suffered the loss of a loved one, there is no way to truly make them whole. Recovering damages in a fatal PWC case does, however, offer the opportunity to hold those responsible for your loss accountable. You may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses, compensation for the loss of financial support and companionship and for your emotional pain and suffering, depending on which laws apply. Hickey Law Firm represents victims and families throughout Florida and nationwide, including in cases involving Jet Skis and other PWCs.

Safety reminders for Florida riders

When it comes to spending time on the water, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk for you and your loved ones. Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Take a boating-safety course so that you know how to safely operate a vessel, including a PWC. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and avoid being on the water at night or in poor visibility. Finally, always inspect the craft for mechanical issues and check weather conditions before launching.

Call Hickey Law Firm today

We are saddened by the loss of Giancarlo Gonzalez, and offer our deepest condolences to the Gonzalez family and all affected by this tragedy. For those who’ve suffered injuries or lost someone on Florida’s waterways, we’re here to listen and to offer our support.

Call only a lawyer who specializes in these cases. Hickey Law Firm specializes in maritime cases, personal watercraft (Jet Ski) cases, and death cases. All of the lawyers at Hickey Law Firm handle these cases. The senior partner at the firm, John H. (Jack) Hickey, is triple Board Certified: Admiralty and Maritime Law by The Florida Bar, Civil Trial Lawyer by The Florida Bar, and Trial Lawyer by the National Board of Trial Advocates (NBTA).

Call or fill out our contact form to connect with the Hickey Law Firm today for a free consultation with one of our experienced maritime law attorneys.

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