Clearwater Ferry crash: Jannus Live owner's attorney addresses ‘misinformation' as investigation unfolds
The Brief
Jeffry Knight, the owner of Jannus Live, was identified as the operator behind the wheel of the recreational boat that hit the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday night.
In a letter to investigators, his attorney aimed to address what he described as "misinformation" surrounding the incident, particularly claims that Knight fled the scene.
One man died and 10 others were injured in the crash.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - One man is dead, and 10 others were injured after a 37-foot boat, operated by Jeffry Knight, the owner of Jannus Live, crashed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry.
The other side
In a letter sent to investigators and obtained by FOX 13 on Tuesday, Knight's attorney aimed to address what he described as "misinformation" surrounding the incident, particularly claims that Knight fled the scene.
RELATED: Family of Clearwater Ferry crash victim mourns loss as investigation continues: 'We need justice'
The letter reads, in part: "Immediately after the accident, Mr. Knight directed a passenger on his vessel to call 911, and that passenger remained on the line with 911 for 12 minutes… Mr. Knight tied his vessel to the ferry in order to stabilize it and render aid. He used his boat to maneuver the ferry closer to shore so that first responders would have easier access to the passengers."
The letter goes on to say Knight"told the captain of the ferry boat he was able to transport injured individuals by water to Morton Plant Hospital … this offer was declined."
The attorney said Knight only departed when emergency responders arrived, and his boat began taking on too much water. Additionally, the letter notes that Knight voluntarily submitted to a breath-alcohol test, which returned a result of 0.00 — confirming what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had previously disclosed.
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Notably, Knight is the owner of the Jannus Live concert venue in St. Petersburg. The venue shared a public message on Instagram offering condolences to the victims and their families, and called for "compassion and patience as the facts surrounding this heartbreaking incident continue to emerge."
The backstory
Authorities said the investigation, being conducted jointly by the FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard, is expected to take time due to the complex nature of maritime accidents.
PREVIOUS: Clearwater Ferry crash: 1 dead and 10 hospitalized, boat involved located
"Vessel accident investigation is very different than vehicle accident investigation," said an FWC official. "You're dealing with a dynamic environment — tides and wind shift. Things don't tend to sit in exactly the same place. It just takes a long process to work all the way through that."
The investigation into the Clearwater Ferry crash remains ongoing.
The Source
The information in this story includes statements made by Jeffry Knight's attorney in a letter to investigators as well as a statement released by Jannus Live. It also includes previous information from investigators.
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