Davide Veglia, Miami CEO, Killed in Biscayne Bay Hit-and-Run Boat Crash as Teen Son Injured; Florida Authorities Search for Fleeing Vessel

Florida authorities are searching for the operator of a boat involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash that left a Miami business executive dead and his teenage son injured in Biscayne Bay.

Davide Veglia, 55, founder and president of South Florida-based ABTS Convention Services, was killed Wednesday night after a larger vessel struck the small boat he was riding in with his 14-year-old son.

The crash occurred around 8:11 p.m. on March 25 in the Meloy Channel near Indian Creek and Biscayne Pointe, according to officials.

Veglia and his son were aboard a 7-foot inflatable dinghy when they were hit by a much larger boat, described as a multi-engine vessel. The impact ejected both into the water.

Emergency responders arrived shortly after reports of the collision and recovered the father and son from the bay. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where Veglia was pronounced dead. His son survived but suffered a broken arm.

Authorities say the vessel responsible fled the scene immediately after the crash.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the suspect boat is believed to be between 20 and 30 feet in length, possibly dark blue with black bottom paint, and equipped with two outboard motors. Surveillance images show the vessel traveling northbound in Biscayne Bay around the time of the incident.

As of now, the operator of the boat has not been identified, and no arrests have been made.

Witnesses in the area described hearing desperate calls for help following the crash. Two teenagers nearby said they rushed to alert authorities after hearing Veglia’s son shouting.

“We heard someone yelling for help,” one witness recalled, describing how they spotted figures in the water and immediately called 911.

Veglia’s son reportedly stayed afloat while holding onto his father until rescuers arrived. Witnesses said Veglia was unconscious when he was pulled from the water.

The tragedy has left family and friends devastated.

João Moraes, a close friend of Veglia, described him as a passionate and loyal person, saying the loss has been overwhelming.

“I lost my best friend,” Moraes said. “I’m in shock.”

Veglia founded his company in 1995 as a young international student and grew it into a global business with offices in Miami, San Francisco, Rome, and Belgrade.

Authorities continue to investigate the fatal hit-and-run and are urging anyone with information about the vessel or its operator to come forward.