Two young girls, Erin Ko and Mila Yankelevich, tragically died in a boating accident in Biscayne Bay on July 28, 2025. A 60-foot barge collided with a small 17-foot sailboat carrying five children and a 19-year-old instructor. Erin and Mila drowned, while two others remain in critical condition.
Erin, born in Chile to a Korean family, had recently moved to Miami with her parents. She was described as warm, bright, and active in school life. Her father, Pil Jye Ko, emotionally recalled her final words: “See you later, Daddy and Mommy.” He added, “She was a perfect daughter. She was all we had.”
Mila was the granddaughter of Argentine producer Cris Morena. She had joined the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation camp shortly before the accident. Her grandmother had posted a tribute video days earlier, featuring the girl’s photos and music from *Chiquititas*.
Erin’s father called for justice: “This can’t happen. Two girls are gone.” The Ko family thanked the public for their support, saying, “Our lives were changed forever… we are heartbroken beyond words.” Social media users also expressed deep sorrow: “Seeing this man cry like that breaks me to pieces.”
