One family’s Italian summer vacation has ended tragically after a horrific crash left one woman, Bloomsbury USA President Adrienne Vaughan, dead, her husband seriously injured, and her two children in shock.


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Captured footage shows the moment the speedboat carrying Vaughan and her family crashed into a 130-foot sailing ship carrying 85 passengers celebrating a wedding. People immediately began rushing to help, with several people, including two doctors aboard the larger ship, diving into the water, but Vaughan passed away before she could be flown to the hospital. Her husband Mike White and the speedboat captain were both treated for their injuries nearby, while the couple’s children Leanna and Mason were treated for shock.



The captain of the speedboat is now being investigated for suspected manslaughter and involuntary shipwreck, and apparently failed toxicology tests taken after the crash, per local news outlets. In addition, one witness told the media that the captain was “vomiting” and “gave the impression” that he was drunk.


The family had chartered the boat in Nerano and were sailing toward Positano on the trip of a lifetime, after dreaming of visiting Italy for some time. Off the coast of Fiordo di Furore at around 6:30 p.m., the speedboat crashed into the larger ship, throwing Vaughan in-between the two vessels and into the propellers, leaving her with serious injuries she was unable to recover from. At 7 p.m., despite ambulance workers’ best efforts, Vaughan was declared dead.


Among his numerous injuries, White dislocated his shoulder, for which he received surgery at a nearby hospital. The couple’s children, who were physically unharmed, were taken to the nearby town in which the family was staying.


Bloomsbury’s Chief Executive Nigel Newton said in a statement issued on the company’s website, “Our hearts go out to Adrienne’s husband and children, parents, family and friends. Bloomsbury is doing everything possible to provide the support they need on the ground in Naples and in the U.S.”


“Losing Adrienne is devastating for everyone at Bloomsbury,” the statement continued. “We thank all who have sent their thoughts, prayers and condolences to us and will convey them to Adrienne’s family.”