Who is Jeff Knight? Legal history of boater FWC says was involved in Clearwater ferry crash
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As the investigation into Sunday's Clearwater ferry crash unfolds, 8 On Your Side has uncovered new revelations about the man who authorities said was operating the other boat.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officers said, Sunday night, a 37-foot recreational center console motorboat ran up and onto the Clearwater ferry, killing one and injuring several others.
Attorney for boater involved in Clearwater ferry crash explains client's side of events
Now, take a look at a story News Channel 8 covered almost six years ago.
It was Labor Day, 2019, when officials said a motorboat struck a pontoon boat, leaving two women badly injured.
'That owner turned out to be Jeff Knight,' Brandon Volk said.
Volk represented the two women in court.
They sued Knight, alleging he was negligently operating his vessel when the accident happened.
'There were some severe injuries and significant traumas,' Volk said.
News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, 'What was the outcome of the case in 2019?'
'The parties ended up settling for a confidential sum,' Volk explained.
Knight was cited at the time for careless operation of a vessel and collision of a vessel, but both charges were later dismissed in 2020.
News Channel 8 On Your Side also obtained court records from a 2012 lawsuit that alleged a man fell off of Knight's yacht, hit his head and drowned.
That case was later dismissed.
Neither Knight nor anyone else have been charged in connection with Sunday's collision, but the investigation is still underway.
FWC officers said it will be up to the State Attorney's Office to decide whether or not anyone will face charges related to Sunday's collision.
News Channel 8 reached out to the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office and was told that they will not be able to make a decision on charges until they have all the facts.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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