CLEARWATER, FL — On July 28, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office, filed charges against 62-year-old Jeffry Knight for his involvement in a fatal boating collision that occurred on April 27 in Clearwater.
Knight was arrested and charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death or serious bodily injury. Misdemeanor charges being filed include failure to maintain a safe speed and failure to maintain a proper lookout.
According to investigators, Knight was operating a private recreational vessel when it struck the stern of a commercial ferry carrying 45 passengers near Memorial Causeway around 8:45 p.m. The collision resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality. The deceased was identified as Jose Castro.
FWC investigators determined that Knight had left the scene of the crash and traveled south toward his residence, where the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office stopped him on the water. Officers from FWC, along with personnel from the Clearwater Police Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard, responded immediately to render aid.
“We’re proud of the cooperative efforts between our agency, law enforcement partners, and the State Attorney’s Office to bring justice to those impacted by this tragic event,” said FWC Southwest Regional Commander Major Evan Laskowski.
FWC officers conducted a thorough investigation, which included reviewing surveillance video, analyzing physical evidence, and interviewing numerous witnesses. The United States Coast Guard conducted a concurrent investigation into the commercial vessel involved in the crash.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Jose Castro, as well as to all those injured and affected by this inciden
A media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Clearwater Police Department.
The original article regarding the crash can be found here. https://iontb.com/fatal-boat-collision-involving-multiple-injuries-in-clearwater/
Statement on Behalf of the Family of Jose Castro:
We have been informed that felony criminal charges are pending against Jeffry Knight, the operator of the vessel that tragically struck the Clearwater Ferry, on April 27, 2025, resulting in the death of Jose Castro.
This is a deeply painful time for our family who continue to grieve an unimaginable loss. While no legal proceeding can undo the heartbreak we’ve suffered, today’s charges represent a step toward accountability and justice.
The Castro family appreciates the work of the investigators and prosecutors who have treated Jose’s death with the significance it deserves. More than anything, our family hopes this case will act as a deterrent to anyone considering reckless action on our waterways.
This is the only comment Jose Castro’s family has at this time as we continue to fight for justice for Jose in every way available to us under the law.