Florida Man Surrenders After Fatal Boat Crash Claims Teen's Life

A prominent Florida real estate broker, George Pino, turned himself in to authorities, two years following his alleged involvement in a boat crash in Biscayne that resulted in the death of one teenager and left another with permanent disabilities.

Appearing in a Miami-Dade Court, Pino, 52, walked in hand in hand with his wife and daughter, accompanied by numerous relatives and friends. He pleaded not guilty to a felony homicide charge related to the tragic incident that occurred in September 2022.

The charge against Pino was elevated after authorities reviewed newly released bodycam footage where Pino seemingly confessed to having consumed "two beers" while operating the 29-foot Robalo, carrying 14 passengers at the time of the accident.

The fatal crash took place when Pino took the boat out to celebrate his daughter's 18th birthday. Near Boca Chita Key in the upper Florida Keys, the boat collided with a channel marker, causing it to capsize and throwing all passengers overboard.

Law enforcement officials allege that Pino was speeding at approximately 50 miles per hour and collided with the channel marker while returning to the dock. Pino, however, claimed that he accidentally hit the marker while checking on his passengers after a passing vessel generated a significant wake.

The impact of the crash ejected everyone into the water and caused substantial damage to the boat, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals. Tragically, 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez lost her life, while 18-year-old soccer player Katerina Puig sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Initially facing three misdemeanor charges, Pino had them dropped on October 31 in exchange for the felony homicide charge, prompted by additional witnesses coming forward.

If convicted, Pino could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for the felony charge he now faces.

Despite the circumstances, authorities did not conduct a sobriety test on Pino at the scene. However, a search of the vessel revealed a total of 61 empty alcohol bottles, including an empty champagne bottle, as reported by the Miami Herald.

Pino's next court appearance is scheduled for January, where further legal proceedings will take place.