Miami was rocked by tragedy on Monday morning after a devastating boating accident in Biscayne Bay claimed the lives of at least two children. Among the victims is 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, granddaughter of renowned Argentine TV producer Cris Morena. Local outlets also report that a third child is in critical condition and receiving urgent medical care.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a barge collided with a sailboat near Hibiscus Island around 11:00 AM local time. The impact caused the sailboat, which was carrying six people — including at least one adult — to sink rapidly.
"Our team on site rescued and transported three individuals to the Miami-Dade Marina. Two were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. One remains unconscious," the Coast Guard reported following the collision.
A Sailing Foundation in Mourning
The boat involved belonged to the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, which confirmed the incident via a social media statement. "At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available information. Our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and we are working closely with authorities and relevant organizations to fully understand the situation," the foundation said. No further public statements have been made.
A Deep Loss for One of Argentina's Most Iconic Entertainment Families
Mila Yankelevich was the daughter of Tomás Yankelevich and actress Sofía Reca. She also leaves behind a 15-year-old brother named Inti. Her grandparents, Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich, are iconic figures in Latin American television.
Cris Morena is widely known for producing a string of hugely successful telenovelas, including "Chiquititas," "Rebelde Way," "Floricienta," "Casi Ángeles," "Amor Mío," and, most recently, "Margarita." These shows shaped a generation of Latin American youth and launched the careers of several prominent actors and singers.
As of now, the family has not made any public statements regarding Mila's death.
A Tragic Echo of the Past
For Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich, this tragedy brings back painful memories. In 2010, they lost their only daughter, Romina Yan, to a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 36. Romina was best known for her leading role in "Chiquititas" and was a beloved figure in Argentine entertainment.
Her passing was met with widespread tributes from fans who remembered her for her talent, warmth, and charisma. Now, nearly 15 years later, the family is once again forced to confront unthinkable grief, this time, with the loss of a grandchild whose life was beginning.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with maritime authorities working to piece together how the collision occurred and whether safety protocols were breached. Meanwhile, the Miami community, along with fans and followers of the Yankelevich-Morena family across Latin America, has begun expressing condolences and offering support.
This tragedy raises broader questions about boating safety in crowded recreational waters like Biscayne Bay, where commercial and private vessels often share the same space. As the story develops, it's likely to renew calls for stricter safety measures and oversight.
For now, Mila's death is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow, and how fragile even the brightest young lives can be.