Family of Erin Ko, killed in Miami sailing camp tragedy, releases statement – NBC 6 South Florida
The family of Erin Ko, who was killed in the Miami sailing camp tragedy earlier this week, has released an official statement days after the 13-year-old’s death.
The statement was sent by Alvin Wu, Ko’s uncle and godfather, on behalf of her parents:
The Ko family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of compassion and support following the tragic loss of our beloved Erin Ko. On July 28th, our lives were forever changed by a devastating accident that took Erin from us far too soon, leaving our family heartbroken beyond words.
Our grief extends to all those affected by this tragedy. We hold the other victims and their loved ones in our hearts, sharing in the profound sorrow this loss has brought to so many.
During this unimaginably difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy as we mourn Erin and honor her beautiful life. We hope you will understand our need for space to grieve, reflect, and begin the long journey toward healing.
Attached, you will find a selection of photos celebrating Erin’s life, which we are happy for you to share. In time, when we are ready, we look forward to sharing more about the extraordinary person Erin was and the light she brought into this world. Until then, we are immensely grateful for your kindness, respect, and understanding.
– The Ko Family
Ko Family
Ko Family Erin Ko
Ko was one of the six people who were on a sailboat when it was struck by a barge near Hibiscus Island Monday morning, officials with the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
The girls were in their last week of a sailing camp for children aged 7 to 15, according to the Miami Yacht Club.
Mila Yankelevich, 7, also died in the crash. The cause and manner of deaths of Yankelevich and Ko were determined to be accidental drowning, the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office said.
Ko, also identified as Erin Victoria Ko Han, came to the United States from Chile, according to her former school there.
Yankelevich is the daughter of director Tomas Yankelevich and actress Sofia Reca and granddaughter of the prominent Argentine television producers Gustavo Yankelevich and Cris Morena.
Two other girls, ages 8 and 11, were hospitalized in critical condition, but one of the girls has since been released. A 19-year-old and a 13-year-old were rescued but not hospitalized.
Coast Guard officials said they’re investigating the cause of the crash. Alcohol and drug testing for people on board the tug and barge and the sailboat operator turned out negative, officials said Thursday.
