It was supposed to be a sunny afternoon on the water, but what started as a day out boating near the Cape Coral Yacht Club turned into heartbreak for a tight-knit community. Three people lost their lives in a horrific speedboat crash on Saturday, and another is clinging to life in the hospital. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has identified the victims as Craig Millett, his wife Brenna Millett, and their close friend Rebecca Knight. The sole survivor, Neal Kirby, remains in critical condition after the boats collided in a way that’s left everyone asking how such a tragedy could unfold so close to home.
The incident happened around midday, with emergency crews rushing to the scene off the yacht club docks. Witnesses described a sudden, violent impact between two powerboats, sending debris and people into the choppy waters of the Caloosahatchee River. First responders pulled the victims from the water, but despite their best efforts, Craig, Brenna, and Rebecca didn’t make it. It’s the kind of news that hits hard in a place like Cape Coral, where folks know each other and the waterways feel like an extension of backyard fun.
Bradley Johnson from the FWC stepped up during a brief press update, his voice steady but somber. “On behalf of all the agencies that assisted today and the FWC, we want to express our sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of Mr. and Ms. Millett, as well as Ms. Knight, for this tragic incident,” he said. “Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.” It’s a small comfort, but in moments like these, words from officials remind us that the whole community is grieving together.
What makes this loss sting even deeper is the legacy these three left behind. Craig, Brenna, and Rebecca were passionate advocates for the autism community, pouring their hearts into supporting families and individuals who needed it most. Local reporter Bella Line from Fox 4 dug into their stories and found out they were fixtures at events run by the Family Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to autism awareness and support. Their involvement wasn’t just showing up—it was the real, personal kind of care that changes lives.
The Family Initiative shared a touching statement that really captures who they were. “Rebecca’s infectious laugh and steadfast determination, Brenna’s warm smile and kind, encouraging words that lifted us through every event and meeting, and Craig’s boundless generosity and immense heart—especially for our guy Kolby—touched us in ways words can barely capture,” it read. Kolby, a young man with autism, was one of many who benefited from Craig’s big-hearted ways. These weren’t distant volunteers; they were the friends who made tough days brighter, and now their absence leaves a void that’s hard to fathom.
Meanwhile, Neal Kirby, the man who was boating separately when the crash occurred, is fighting through unimaginable pain. A friend close to the family opened up about his injuries, painting a picture of just how brutal the collision was. Kirby suffered six broken ribs, severe lung damage, a broken clavicle, and a shattered pelvis—injuries that sound like they came straight out of a nightmare. He went into surgery first thing Monday morning, and while recovery is going to be a long road, those who know him say he’s showing the grit that defines him.
Kirby’s no stranger to these waters; he’s a lifelong Cape Coral resident and an avid power boater who knows the river like the back of his hand. His friend described him as the guy who’s always out on his boat, sharing stories and good times with anyone who’ll listen. Even now, with Kirby laid up, his family is holding onto hope and staying in good spirits. “He’s a fighter,” the friend said simply, and you can tell that’s not just talk—it’s the kind of optimism that pulls people through.
As the sun sets on this sad chapter, the FWC hasn’t shared any new details on what caused the crash. Investigators are still piecing together the puzzle—speed, visibility, maybe even a momentary lapse—but for now, the why remains a mystery. In a boating paradise like Southwest Florida, accidents like this serve as a stark reminder to stay vigilant. The community is rallying around the families, sharing memories of Craig, Brenna, and Rebecca’s kindness, while sending prayers to Neal. It’s a tough loss, but their stories of compassion will keep echoing long after the investigation wraps up.
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