Sydney Cole dies in fatal Key Largo boat crash
Fatal Key Largo boat crash death of Sydney Cole – Obituary
Authorities in Monroe County have confirmed that a boating accident off the coast of Key Largo resulted in the death of Sydney Cole, 24, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The incident, which occurred Friday evening, also left three others seriously injured.
Guy Erdman, 61, of Oakland Park, was operating a 21-foot Century Bay motorboat when it collided with an anchored sailboat in Buttonwood Sound. The crash ejected all four passengers from the motorboat into the water. Cole’s body was later recovered, while another passenger, Lillian Cairo, 58, also from Oakland Park, was critically injured and transported by air to a Miami-Dade hospital.
None of the individuals aboard the sailboat sustained injuries.
According to Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield, alcohol appears to have played a significant role in the incident. While charges against Guy Erdman have not yet been filed, his son, Christopher Erdman, 31, of Carthage, North Carolina, faces legal action. After the crash, Christopher reportedly boarded the sailboat and assaulted a 71-year-old man from Yorktown, Virginia. The victim sustained minor injuries.
Christopher Erdman was arrested by state wildlife officials and charged with aggravated assault and battery on a person aged 65 or older. He was later released on a $30,000 bond.
“This tragic event highlights the severe risks associated with boating under the influence,” Mansfield stated. The investigation remains active, and additional charges are under consideration.
