The father of Ella Riley Adler, the 15-year-old ballerina killed in a hit-and-run boat crash in Miami, recalled in a heartbreaking letter read at the teen’s funeral that he and his wife always felt their daughter “got the best parts of both of us” — and that her death “robbed” her of all that she could have achieved in her life.
Matthew Adler’s letter was read in front of hundreds of mourners during a funeral service held Monday for his daughter, Ella, who was killed while celebrating a friend’s birthday at Key Biscayne’s Nixon Beach on Saturday when a boat collided with her and sped off.
“Mommy and I have said for years that you truly got the best parts of both of us,” the mourning father wrote in a letter read by one of the girl’s aunts, according to the Miami Herald.
“…You were taken from us way too soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved. But you will always be here with us and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever.”
Pews inside Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach were packed Monday with those mourning Ella, a freshman at Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove.
The teen was a member of the school’s dance team and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet, where she was featured in over 100 productions of “The Nutcracker.”
During the service, Rabbi Jonathan Berkun of Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center urged mourners to remember Ella as the star she was.
“We must remember her as she would have wanted to be remembered, as a star, a force of nature, a glowing and gorgeous young woman who was loved, admired, cherished and adored by more people than anyone her age would normally be,” he said.
“To have known Ella her entire life, as I have been blessed, is to know just how wrong and unfair it is for us to have lost her so soon,” Berkun said. “Her death is enough to make us question our faith…. God did not do this. Rather, God is here crying bitter tears.”
Through tears, a friend of Ella’s detailed how passionate she was about ballet and the performing arts, having recently taken on a role in the school’s production of “Chicago.” The teen also took singing lessons and was a member of the speech and debate team.
Her friend said the slain teen had hoped to one day become the president of the United States.
“Ella, you had so many qualities to admire,” she said. “You were passionate about your faith. You loved your family. You loved your friends. And you were loved by all. I miss you so much, and I will honor your memory by never forgetting the special things about you.”
Ella’s sister, Adalynn Adler, also wrote a letter read by their aunt, in which she said, “I will always have you in my heart.”
Miami City Ballet detailed Ella’s impact on the company, calling her “an integral part of our family, radiating potential and promise whose kindness, warmth, and infectious joy were known to all.”
The funeral service concluded with many young people bursting into tears as photos and videos of Ella were put on display to Rihanna’s “Diamonds in the Sky” playing in the background.
Ella died after she was struck by a boat Saturday while celebrating a friend’s birthday. The 15-year-old dancer was left bobbing in the water as first responders reported “a lot of blood” coming from her body after the crash.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who are investigating the hit-and-run, said no suspect has been identified yet as authorities put out a $20,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest, along with $5,000 more from Miami Crime Stoppers.
On Monday, the agency updated its description of the boat involved in the crash, noting it is a center console boat with a light blue hull, and multiple white outboard engines.
The boat also may have blue or dark blue bottom paint.