Man who died after Fort Lauderdale boat explosion operated the vessel, FWC says
A father of four died from his injuries after a boat he was driving exploded off Fort Lauderdale on Memorial Day, the man's loved ones announced in a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Joshua Fifi, a 29-year-old who lived Fort Lauderdale, was identified as the man who died after the blast, according to the fundraiser page. The fundraiser, organized by Hannah Galindo, said Fifi's 'sudden passing has left his family, friends, and community in shock and grief.'
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state police agency investigating the incident, released a statement Monday night saying Fifi was the operator of the 39-foot Sea Ray cabin cruiser.
He was driving the vessel north in the Intracoastal Waterway shortly after refueling around 5:45 p.m. when he tried starting the port, or left side, inboard engine and the boat exploded, according to the FWC statement.
Fifi was one of the 14 people on board the vessel, which was near the large sandbar by the New River when the flash explosion occurred. Eleven people — including two young children — were hospitalized with injuries. Some were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's burn unit in Miami, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said.
'Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr. Fifi during this difficult time,' the FWC said in its statement.
READ MORE: Boat explodes off the beach in Fort Lauderdale, fire-rescue says
Fire officials say the blast was likely caused by fuel vapors that ignited a flash fire when the boat was started. The source of the vapors and ignition is under investigation.
Fifi's family hopes to raise $11,000 to cover Fifi's funeral and support his four children.
'Joshua was just beginning a new chapter in life,' the page said. 'He was known for his sense of humor, his easygoing spirit, and the way he could make people laugh even on the hardest days. He was someone people could count on, and now, we're coming together to support him one last time.'
READ MORE: Two boats exploded off Fort Lauderdale within 5 months. Tips to avoid a similar fate
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