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Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clearwater Ferry crash victim sues Jeffry Knight after deadly collision
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief A Pinellas County school teacher who was on the Clearwater Ferry the night of a deadly crash is suing Jeffry Knight for more than $50,000. In a lawsuit, Nicole Makelele claims she suffered bodily injuries, disability, disfigurement and other injuries. The crash killed a father of two and injured 10 others. It remains under investigation by FWC. No arrests have been made. CLEARWATER, Fla. - A Pinellas County school teacher who was onboard the Clearwater Ferry when it was involved in a deadly crash is suing Jeffry Knight, the boater who was operating the vessel that slammed into the back of the ferry. What we know According to the lawsuit, Nicole Makelelele is suing Knight for more than $50,000. The lawsuit states that Makelelele "suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, expense of medical care and treatment, loss of earnings, and aggravation of previously existing conditions. These losses are either permanent or continuing in nature, and [she] will suffer such losses in the future." It accuses Knight of operating his boat in a careless manner, including excessive speed, failing to take evasive action, and fleeing the scene without rendering aid. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against Knight. The backstory Knight was the operator of the recreational boat that crashed into the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on the night of April 27. It left Palm Harbor father of two, Jose Castro, dead and 10 others injured. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said more than 40 people were on board the Clearwater Ferry at the time of the crash, and six people were on board the 37-foot recreational boat. RELATED: Jannus Live owner steps down after Clearwater Ferry crash leaves 1 dead, 10 injured FWC investigators said they spoke with Knight after the crash, and he and all the passengers on the recreational boat were cooperative with the investigation. Knight even did a voluntary breathalyzer test, which came back with a reading of zero. However, FWC says no blood tests were done. Conflicting statements What they're saying Attorney J. Kevin Hayslett, who represents Knight, sent two letters to investigators along with three witness statements from passengers onboard Knight's boat. Hayslett said that one of Knight's passengers called 911 while Knight tried to render aid to the victims, then only left the scene once his boat took on too much water and first responders arrived. Another passenger said Knight was yelling, "They had no lights. Where the f*** were their lights?" Pictured: Scene after the Clearwater Ferry crash on April 27. A third letter, written to the FWC on Knight's behalf, stated ""According to 33 CFR § 83.34(d) (Rule 34 of the Inland Navigation Rules), when a vessel is in sight of another and there is doubt as to the other vessel's intentions, the proper and immediate response is five short and rapid blasts on the vessel's whistle or horn," Hayslett said. "This signal is critical to prevent collisions and is considered the standard response to imminent danger." In the letter, Knight's attorney said a passenger reportedly heard the captain or a crew member shout, 'Hey, hey, hey!' just before the crash. "Multiple witness statements and press accounts indicate that no such horn signal was made prior to the crash," Hayslett said. Knight's attorney also questioned the capacity on the ferry and whether it was in compliance with USCG requirements. He requested the preservation of ticket sale logs for the ferry, Maddie's Crossing. Hayslett continued to question the ferry's navigation lighting, specifically the stern light and side lights on the vessel. "On Maddie's Crossing, the only visible white light appears to be mounted foreship," Hayslett said. "Though this light was elevated above the deck, a vessel approaching from the stern would not have seen this light as it was obstructed by the canopy. Knight's attorney requested the preservation of evidence including the ferry's navigation system, on-board camera data, 911 calls and maintenance log of the ferry. The other side However, attorneys for Mickey Keenan, P.A., a law firm representing victims, including the family of Marcos Pacheco and Brenda Alvarez, say Knight's version of events does not match what took place the night of the crash. Lawyers pointed out three statements, in particular, writing: "Knight's Claim 1: Allegations of "leaving the scene" are without Legal or Factual Basis. Truth: Jeffry Knight, LEFT THE SCENE of the crash, this is the only fact that is undisputed. He drove away, period, end of story. Knight's Claim 2: "In the moments before the collision, the captain and many PASSENGERS were distracted by dolphins in the area, diminishing navigational awareness." Truth: Blaming the victims for this crash is offensive and improper. If it was light enough out that the victims could see dolphins, why couldn't Knight see a massive ferry directly in front of him? The answer: Because he wasn't paying attention. Knight's Claim 3: "The Clearwater Ferry was not displaying the required navigational lights at the time of the accident" … "The uncontested facts show that Mr. Knight acted in full compliance with Florida law." Truth: None of Mr. Knight's actions were responsible, lawful, or in sound judgment. The video of the ferry crash is not ambiguous, Knight's failure to follow the relevant nautical rules is the primary cause of the collision with the ferry. No matter what Jeffry Knight says, it is clear that his actions caused this collision and the immeasurable pain and suffering of his victims." Dig deeper Scot Seplowe, who is representing Pacheco and Alvarez, says some of the statements made by Knight's attorney since the crash add insult to injury. "They're dealing with the trauma," Seplowe said. "They're deal with their injuries, but ultimately now, they're dealing with someone blaming them." The couple says they were coming back from Clearwater Beach with their young children the night of the crash. "It has definitely not been easy, for sure, on any of us and just, it's draining," Alvarez said. "It's emotionally draining." The couple responded to statements made by Knight's attorney that questioned the lighting and navigation on the ferry. "We could see them," Pacheco said. "We could see them, and then they're claiming that they couldn't see our ferry, but they can see that we were being distracted like all kind of this. It's almost insulting." RELATED: Jannus Live owner steps down after Clearwater Ferry crash leaves 1 dead, 10 injured They also responded to a statement made about some passengers on the ferry being distracted by dolphins right before the crash. "There was no dolphins," Alvarez said. "If anybody needs to hear that, there was no dolphins. We would have been the first to point them out because we have toddlers and you know, we always like to see things that are going on around us and we would've liked to point out the dolphins if we were to have seen dolphins." Although Knight's attorney says he acted lawfully and responsibly at every point after the crash, the couples' attorney says otherwise. The couple says they want to see this investigation come to a resolution, so their family can move forward. "We're not here to point fingers," Pacheco said. "We were put in a position that we shouldn't have been, that our kids shouldn't have been. So, we just wanted to be able to heal and move on and be there for our kids." What's next The lawsuit states that Makelelele is demanding a trial. What you can do FWC is still investigating the crash and is asking for any video footage from the area between 8 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on April 27. The Source This story was written with information provided in a lawsuit and previous FOX 13 News articles. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
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. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube 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. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Clearwater Ferry crash: Jannus Live releases statement on owner's involvement in deadly incident
The Brief Jannus Live's Instagram page posted a statement after it's owner, Jeffry Knight, was involved in the deadly Clearwater Ferry crash. Knight's 37-foot boat slammed into the back of a ferry, with the impact killing 41-year-old Jose Castro, and sending 10 others to the hospital. No arrests have been made as the FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard investigate the crash. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The owner of the well-known concert venue Jannus Live in St. Petersburg was involved in the deadly Clearwater Ferry crash. On Sunday evening, owner Jeffry Knight's 37-foot boat slammed into the back of a ferry, with the impact killing 41-year-old Jose Castro, and sending 10 others to the hospital. Dig deeper No arrests have been made as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard investigate the crash. Law enforcement confirmed Knight is cooperating fully with the investigation. RELATED: Family of Clearwater Ferry crash victim mourns loss as investigation continues: 'We need justice' What they're saying Jannus Live took to Instagram on Tuesday evening, saying "We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by Sunday night's tragic Clearwater Ferry accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time." Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The post goes on to address the ongoing investigation: "We also want to express our trust in this community – in its ability to come together with compassion and patience as the facts surrounding this heartbreaking incident continue to emerge. We ask that judgement be reserved while the [FWC] and the United States Coast Guard conduct their thorough investigation into what occurred that night. We are deeply grateful for the many expressions of support we've received from friends, family, and members of our extended Jannus Live community. Your kindness means more than words can say." The investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing. The Source The information in this story was released in statement made on Jannus Live's Instagram account. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Sordid history of millionaire skipper Jeff Knight at the helm in fatal Clearwater ferry crash includes another boating disaster and groping female employee
The skipper of the boat that slammed into a packed ferry killing a 41-year-old husband is a wealthy local entertainment tycoon once accused of negligence in another boating accident, can exclusively reveal. Jeffry Knight, 62 – who has multiple venues in St Petersburg, Florida, and lives in a $5.2million waterfront mansion – was at the helm of the 37-foot triple-engine vessel when it hit the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday night. Ten people among the 45 aboard the 40-foot ferry were injured in the 'mass casualty' horror as families were being shuttled on the final night of Clearwater's popular Sugar Sand Festival. Knight's boat carrying six passengers left after the crash and was found more than three-miles south by law enforcement, who guided it on to a ramp beside the Belleair Causeway and led him away. Authorities say Knight has cooperated with them and a breath test showed there was no trace of alcohol in his system. So far, he has not been charged with any offense. However, can reveal Knight has a lengthy and largely minor rap sheet that includes two DUIs and being accused of 'careless operation of a vessel'. He is also currently facing a damning civil court case where he is accused of seriously sexually assaulting one of his female staff at his showpiece Jannus Live concert venue in St. Petersburg. Additionally, Knight was previously accused in a lawsuit of the 2012 death of a friend who slipped as he was leaving his yacht, named Pure Knight Life, and hit his head on the way down into the water. The ferry was badly damaged in the collision that killed one passenger. Knight, who has a lengthy rap sheet that includes two DUIs and being accused of 'careless operation of a vessel' was skipper of the other vessel The family of James Young launched a civil action, alleging wrongful death on the basis that Knight's gangplank to the dock was 'inherently dangerous' because it didn't have a two-sided railing. Officials said Young had cocaine in his system and his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit for driving in Florida. Knight, who owns Jannus Live, the Ringside Café, the Pelican Pub, MacDinton's Irish Pub and Detroit Liquors, was first accused of DUI in April 2002, according to Pinellas County Circuit Court records. He pleaded no contest and was ordered to pay fines and costs of $650. Five years later he was convicted of reckless driving, to which he pleaded guilty after accepting a reduced charge from another original DUI accusation. And in 2012, he once more faced a DUI charge, again pleading no contest before being adjudicated guilty, according to records. In 2017, he was accused of a maritime offense: being careless in the operation of a vessel. He pleaded no contest. But he is currently facing serious sexual allegations by a former female employee in Pinellas County Circuit Court – with paperwork claiming he is a 'known sexual harasser'. is not naming the woman in the court documents due to the nature of the allegations. Knight is facing serious sexual assault allegations from a former female bodyguard who worked at Jannus Live She alleged that she was warned by a coworker to stay away from Knight. But at a concert in 2023, he allegedly attempted to make an advance towards her She also alleged that during the exchange, he put her hands between her legs and rubbed his hand quickly before asking her to 'Uber home with me' The female ex-security guard alleged the attack happened during a concert in June, 2023. Her attorney writes that she was warned by another staff member to 'walk away' if Knight approached her. 'After the concert, Knight comes up behind (the woman) He walks up close to her. He stares directly in her eyes,' says the amended complaint to the court. It continues: 'Knight tells (the woman) "you're so damn pretty". 'Knight tells (the woman) that he bought "Jannus Live and the whole block". He says, "Not bad for someone who didn't finish 8th grade".' Another security guard attempted to intervene in Knight's alleged advances, with the attorney writing: 'As Knight talks, Tracy Holden walks up… asks Knight, "Are you going to harass her now?" Knight touches or hugs Ms Holden and she walks away.' The complaint says Knight comes closer to the woman put his hands on her face and says, "you're so beautiful" before leaning in and hanging on to her. 'Knight licks the side of her face,' it continues. 'Knight puts his hands on (the woman's) back and lowers his arm to her rear end. He thrusts his hands between her legs. 'Knight rubs his hand back and forth between (the woman's) legs. He does this quickly.' The female employee then reportedly looked for a security guard to help her before Knight allegedly said: "Why don't you Uber home with me?" Five days later, the woman went to the company's human resources department alleging Knight treated her like 'a piece of meat'. According to the complaint, the female HR officer told her: 'I can speak with him, but it will mean nothing'. She also said Knight was probably drunk again and will not remember, says the filing. The woman left her job of three months and is claiming constructive dismissal, sexual assault and battery, negligent supervision, sexual harassment and retaliation. She is suing for more than $50,000 and punitive damages. Her attorney wrote to court in January this year saying the case is ready for jury trial. 'A corporate owner such as Jeffry Knight may not touch, grab, rub, lick or sexually molest his employees,' her attorney writes. In a motion to dismiss the complaint, Knight's attorney says the businessman 'had a conversation as evidenced by surveillance video.. this conversation was not sexual in nature'. The former security guard made a draft complaint shortly after the alleged incident where she 'made several outrageous and extreme claims.. and what he allegedly did to her,' says the motion. 'Interestingly and tellingly, Plaintiff changed some of the more outrageous claims after she was provided a copy of the video.' Knight lives in luxury at his palatial 12,000-square-foot pad complete with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms which he bought for $3million in 2017 – with a $2million loan, according to records. The mansion, edging on to an exclusive stretch of water in an exclusive enclave in Largo, is now worth an estimated $5.2million. During the pandemic, Knight went to war with the city of St. Petersburg in 2021 after he was cited 16 times for his businesses ignoring the mask mandate. Officials on Monday named the man killed in the ferry horror as husband and father Jose Castro, 41, from nearby Palm Harbor, Florida. Knight was identified as the operator of the center console boat in the tragedy by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is investigating the crash. Horrific video released by Clearwater Police shows the ferry traveling east of the channel near Memorial Causeway bridge and Knight's boat coming up at speed from behind in calm waters. Chief Eric Gandy said at a news conference Monday: 'There's a point of impact where it looks to be that it overrode nearly three-quarters of the ferry.' 911 dispatchers heard 'horrific screaming' in the background minutes after the horror. And harrowing audio released by the Coast Guard reveals a crew member's plea for help in a call with the words: 'Mayday, mayday, mayday. There's been a boat collision. The Clearwater Ferry, uh, underneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. The Clearwater Ferry is adrift.' Passenger Marco Vacheco told 10 Tampa Bay: 'It was like a big yacht, It hit from behind, like it came through where the captain sits, like he was pinned down.' His pregnant wife Brenda Alvarez told ABC Action News that she hadn't 'felt the baby move' since the crash and was heading to hospital to have it checked out. Alvarez, on board with her husband and their two children, fell between two seats when the recreational boat slammed the ferry, which caused her 'whole body to hurt'. Rob Shaw, spokesman for Clearwater police and the fire and rescue service, said: 'It was a chaotic scene when we got there. There were some patients being picked up by neighboring boats. 'Good Samaritans were trying to help. There were other patients who were walking ashore because of the shallow waters here off the bridge.' Clearwater Ferry said in a statement: 'We are heartbroken for the person who lost their life, everyone who was hurt and their families. 'We deeply appreciate the dedication of the first responders and others who rushed to help Sunday night. We are cooperating with the investigation. Safety is the top priority for PSTA and the Clearwater Ferry.'
