Girl killed after being struck by jumping sturgeon in boat | Inquirer News

Girl killed after being struck by jumping sturgeon in boat

/ 10:01 AM July 05, 2015

Sturgeon fish

INQUIRER.net PHOTO

LAKE CITY, Florida, United States — A 5-year-old Florida girl riding in a boat has died after a sturgeon leaped from the Suwannee River and struck her.

Wildlife officials said Jaylon Rippy died after being struck Thursday night. Her mother and 9-year-old brother were also injured and taken to a Gainesville hospital. Their condition was not known.

Article continues after this advertisement

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said this is the first fatality recorded from a sturgeon strike on the Suwannee River. Four people have been injured by jumping sturgeon this year.

The fish are known for leaping more than 7 feet (2.13 meters) above the water. They can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long and weigh up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms) and can cause serious injuries.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Fish, Florida, sturgeon

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.