A man has admitted guilt in a tragic boating accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old ballerina and high school student in 2024, having failed to stop his boat after the fatal collision.

His legal team had previously argued that he was unaware he had struck anyone with his boat, as reported by WTVJ.

The victim, Ella Adler, was the granddaughter of Michael Adler, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium. While wakeboarding, Ella fell into the water and was tragically hit by Carlos Guillermo “Bill” Alonso’s 42-foot Boston Whaler, according to the Key Biscayne Independent.

In May 2024, Ella Adler, only 15, lost her life in a hit-and-run boating tragedy. (Photo courtesy of the Adler Family)

Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, characterized the event as a “tragic accident” in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

“Our hearts go out to the Adler family. This was a tragic accident, and, of course, Bill never intended to hurt anyone that day. Bill’s decision to plead guilty was driven by his hope that doing so would cause less pain to Ella’s family and help shine a light on the Ella Riley Adler Foundation,” the statement noted.

Alonso pleaded guilty on Monday to misdemeanor careless boating, according to The Miami Herald.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff, helps him out of a car in 2024. (WSVN)

The teen killed in the boating incident had performed in “The Nutcracker” over 100 times with the Miami City Ballet, the Key Biscayne Independent noted.

“Ella was extraordinary. She radiated joy, kindness and creativity in every room she entered. She was a devoted daughter, a beloved sister and a fierce and loyal friend,” Adler’s father, Matthew, said in a statement read in court, according to the outlet. 

“Her life was filled with love, laughter, dance and meaning. Ella didn’t just live. She danced through life.”

Carlos Guillermo Alonso exits a vehicle with his attorney. (WSVN)

The outlet reported that Alonso was sentenced to 12 months of probation as part of a plea agreement and that he is able to have his probation terminated after six months. Provided he fulfills the court’s conditions, he will be able to petition the court for his guilty pleas to be vacated, the outlet reported.

Edmund Richard Hartley, the captain of the vessel that had been towing Adler, has also been charged, but he has pleaded not guilty, according to The Miami Herald.