Title: Prominent New York Publisher Killed in Boat Wreck, Husband Alleges Distracted Skipper Wrecked Due to Cell Phone Use
Byline: Yaron Steinbuch | August 7, 2023 | 7:57am
The husband of a prominent New York publisher, Adrienne Vaughan, who tragically lost her life in a boat wreck off the Amalfi Coast, has alleged that the boat’s skipper was distracted by his cell phone before the deadly accident. Elio Persico, the 30-year-old skipper, has tested positive for drugs and alcohol and now faces multiple charges, including culpable manslaughter and negligent injury.
Mike White, Vaughan’s husband, informed authorities that Persico was constantly on his phone, drawing his attention away from the operation of the boat. Prosecutors are seeking Persico’s phone records as part of the investigation. Toxicology tests revealed that Persico had consumed alcohol and cocaine before crashing the 20-foot speedboat into a sailing ship carrying a group of 80 American and German tourists who were celebrating a wedding.
The investigation is currently reviewing the impact that drugs and alcohol may have had on Persico’s ability to perform his duties. Although the level of intoxication and the amount of drugs in his system were reportedly low, a consultant is examining these factors.
During the collision, Vaughan, who was sunning on the bow, fell into the water. Despite immediate efforts, her condition was critical, and she passed away before she could be taken to a hospital. Persico also sustained injuries, including cracked ribs and pelvic injuries, and is being treated in a hospital in Salerno.
White, injured in the wreck as well, has undergone surgery on his collarbone. Thankfully, the couple’s children, Leanna (14) and Mason (11), did not suffer any physical injuries but received treatment for shock. They are currently under the care of the owner of the accommodation their parents rented for the vacation and are expected to be picked up by their grandfather from the US.
Eyewitnesses reported that the speedboat suddenly turned as it passed the yacht, leading to the collision with the larger vessel. Additionally, video footage suggests that Persico made a mistake by putting the boat into reverse after Vaughan and her husband fell off, resulting in her being struck by the spinning propeller.
This tragic incident has devastated the publishing community and Vaughan’s family. Less than a day before her death, Vaughan had shared photos of her family taken in Rome, unknowingly documenting their final moments together.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of Persico’s negligence and the role played by his cell phone distraction in the fatal boat wreck.
Note: All images used in the article were obtained from Cobra Team / BACKGRID.