Clearwater Ferry Crash: Seek Justice with Kaiser Romanello Attorneys

On April 27, 2025, the Clearwater Ferry crash claimed the life of Jose Castro, a 41-year-old Palm Harbor resident, leaving his family in deep grief. A 37-foot boat, driven by Jeffry Knight, collided with the ferry near Memorial Causeway Bridge, injuring twelve others. According to ABC Action News, Knight fled the scene, and no charges have been filed, which has sparked outrage among Castro’s family and many others. The Daily Mail reveals that Knight, a 62-year-old entertainment tycoon who owns Jannus Live, lives in a $5.2 million waterfront mansion and was previously accused of negligence in a 2012 boating accident lawsuit. Jose’s tragic death highlights the urgent need for stricter boating regulations and greater accountability to prevent such preventable losses. Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help victims seek justice and compensation.

Addressing the Pain and Need for Change

Jose Castro’s death has left his family devastated, and they are demanding accountability for the tragedy. After the crash, Knight fled to Belleair Boat Ramp, leaving six victims with serious injuries and two others requiring airlift to hospitals. The Daily Mail reports that Knight’s triple-engine vessel has a troubling history, including a prior wrongful death lawsuit that raises significant concerns. This pattern of alleged negligence has fueled calls for stricter boating regulations to prevent future incidents. At Kaiser Romanello, we understand the pain you’re experiencing. Our Florida boat accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for families like Jose’s while advocating for safer waterways.

Why the Clearwater Ferry Crash Case Is Complex

Boating hit-and-run cases are notoriously difficult to resolve. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that Knight passed a Breathalyzer test, but his decision to flee the scene strongly suggests negligence. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were over 2,500 recreational boating accidents in 2023, resulting in 564 deaths and millions in damages. When the at-fault party flees, proving liability becomes challenging, and insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims. While victims are stuck facing: 

• Severe Injuries: Broken bones or brain injuries require expensive treatment.

• Wrongful Death: A loved one’s passing can leave families grappling with grief and financial hardship.

• Financial Strain: Medical bills and lost wages create significant burdens for families.

• Emotional Trauma: The lack of charges against Knight only deepens the emotional pain.

Experienced attorneys can help ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

How Kaiser Romanello Secures Justice

Kaiser Romanello brings over 20 years of experience in handling boat accident and wrongful death cases caused by negligence. Our dedicated team takes a comprehensive approach:

• Thorough Investigations: We gather critical evidence, including witness statements and video footage.

• Proving Negligence: We challenge defenses that attempt to shift blame and minimize liability.

• Maximizing Compensation: We negotiate with insurers to cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and more.

• No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case.

We share your frustration over Jose’s loss and the profound impact on all victims and families affected by this tragedy. We are committed to easing your legal burdens while advocating for meaningful change in boating safety to honor those who have been lost or injured.

Steps to Protect Your Rights

Acting quickly can strengthen your case, especially since Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, as stated in Florida Statutes Section 95.11(5)(a). Here’s what you should do:

• Document Evidence: Keep medical records and photos of your injuries.

• Avoid Insurers: Don’t speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.

• Contact Kaiser Romanello: Call 844-877-8679 for a free case review to explore your options.

Learn More About the Clearwater Ferry Crash

For more details, read our original blog post: Here

The Clearwater Ferry crash was a preventable tragedy that claimed Jose Castro’s life and left twelve others injured, deeply affecting their families. This demands change. Kaiser Romanello stands with Florida’s boat accident victims, fighting for justice. Don’t let medical bills or the lack of charges against Knight define your future. Visit our website or call 844-877-8679 for a free case review today. Act now—your recovery and the push for safer waterways start here.

Source for Knight’s background and prior incidents: Daily Mail