Davide Veglia, a well-known Florida CEO, died in a hit-and-run boat accident in Biscayne Bay on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The Miami community is in mourning. At 8:11 p.m., reports of an accident involving a small vessel in the Meloy Channel, a portion of Biscayne Bay at Indian Creek and Biscayne Point, close off Miami Beach, prompted the dispatch of emergency personnel. When responders arrived, they discovered two casualties in the sea and a severely damaged seven-foot inflatable dinghy.
Authorities confirmed that Veglia and his 14‑year‑old son had been aboard the dinghy when a much larger vessel struck them, ejecting both into the water. Witnesses described the impact as sudden and violent, with no indication that the striking vessel attempted to stop. The Miami Beach Fire Department and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) coordinated the rescue, pulling both victims from the water before transporting them to a nearby hospital.
Veglia, founder and president of ABTS Convention Services, suffered critical injuries and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His son survived but sustained a broken arm and remained hospitalized. Friends and colleagues described Veglia as a passionate leader and devoted father whose loss has deeply affected the South Florida business community.
Investigators said the vessel that struck the dinghy fled the scene immediately after the collision. FWC released images of a dark blue boat, 20 to 30 feet long with two outboard motors, believed to be involved in the hit‑and‑run. Officers canvassed the Meloy Channel and surrounding waterways, urging boaters and residents to report any sightings or information that could help identify the operator of the fleeing vessel.
Two teenagers who witnessed the aftermath and called 911 told investigators they saw the larger boat speed away without rendering aid. Their account has become a key part of the investigation as authorities work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the deadly crash. The area near Biscayne Point Circle remained active with law‑enforcement boats and divers throughout the night as the search for the suspect vessel intensified.
As the investigation continues, officials emphasize that the hit‑and‑run nature of the crash has heightened urgency in locating the responsible boater. The death of Davide Veglia has left a profound void for his family, colleagues, and the wider Miami community, while his son continues to recover from his injuries. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact FWC or Miami Beach Police as they work to bring accountability in this tragic case.
