UPDATE: A family holiday in the Florida Keys turned tragic when a 57-year-old Michigan mother, Judy Kay Zagorski, was killed by a giant spotted eagle ray that leaped from the water and struck her in the face. This shocking incident occurred near Marathon on the Atlantic Ocean side of Vaca Key during a spring outing on April 1, 2008.
Authorities confirm that Judy was seated at the front of the boat, traveling at approximately 25 mph, when the 75-pound ray suddenly emerged from the ocean. The powerful impact threw her backward onto the boat’s floor, resulting in fatal injuries. Officials reported that there were no signs of puncture wounds from the creature’s venomous barbs, confirming that Judy died instantly from blunt force trauma, which included multiple skull fractures and direct brain injury.
Her sister, Joyce Ann Miller, who was standing next to her, escaped unharmed. Judy’s father, Virgil Bouck, was steering the boat, while her mother, Verneta, was also present for the family outing. The ray was later found lifeless in the vessel following the impact.
“This is an incredibly rare incident,” said a spokesperson from the local wildlife authority, emphasizing that spotted eagle rays are not aggressive and typically only use their poisonous tail spikes for defense.
Experts describe the collision as a freak accident, noting that spotted eagle rays can weigh up to 500 pounds and have wingspans that can extend to ten feet. Although they are known to leap out of the water to evade threats or shed parasites, encounters with humans resulting in injury are virtually unheard of.
The tragic incident has left both residents and tourists in disbelief. Judy’s brother, Dan Bouck, shared with NBC News that she was “a truly awesome sister” who dedicated her time to caring for terminally ill patients and co-managed Beadle Bay Marina and Campground with her late husband, Steve Zagorski.
Authorities have noted that while there have been sporadic cases of rays landing in boats, fatalities are exceedingly rare. This incident has drawn comparisons to other tragic encounters with sea creatures, such as the death of Steve Irwin, highlighting the unpredictability of marine wildlife.
As the community mourns this loss, the unusual circumstances of Judy’s death serve as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Wildlife experts continue to stress the importance of respecting marine environments, especially in popular tourist destinations like the Florida Keys.
Next steps: Authorities are investigating the incident further and will release more information as it becomes available. Residents and visitors are urged to maintain caution while enjoying recreational activities in the ocean.
