powerboat racing deaths

Woman killed, several hurt after they're ejected from vessel during powerboat race in Key West

A woman was killed and several other people were hurt when they were ejected from a boat taking part in a race in Key West on Thursday, authorities said.

The 39-foot Deep Impact boat was traveling from Miami to Key West and was navigating in the Calda Channel north of Key West around 4 p.m. when the boat made a hard right, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said.

Six people were ejected, and good Samaritans on nearby boats assisted the people who ended up in the water.

The victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, but one did not survive. She was later identified as 28-year-old Stephanie Rodriguez, of Hialeah.

A total of eight people had been on the boat, including the operator, 47-year-old Reinaldo Aquit, of Miami Beach, and seven passengers, the FWC said.

The boat was involved in a powerboat race, FWC officials said. Officials had initially said the boat had struck a sandbar and rolled.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.