Deflated family of girl left permanently disabled on George Pino's fatal boat crash slam his sensational acquittal

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:00, 24 June 2026 | Updated: 14:14, 24 June 2026 The family of a girl who was left permanently disabled on millionaire property developer George Pino's boat are 'deeply disappointed' by his sensational acquittal. George Pino, 55, was acquitted on Monday of second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide charges after a boat crash in Biscayne Bay in 2022. Pino was piloting the 29-foot boat carrying his wife, daughter and several of his daughter's teenage friends when he crashed the vessel into a concrete channel marker.  Lucy Fernandez, 17, was killed in the incident. Katy Puig, who was also 17 at the time, suffered a traumatic brain injury and has been left with permanent disabilities. The Puig family condemned the jury's decision to acquit the 55-year-old.  'The Puig family is deeply disappointed by today's verdict, and our hearts hurt for the Fernandez family, who continue to live every day with the unimaginable loss of Lucy,' they told the court, WPLG reported. They shared how they have lived with the 'consequences' of the deadly crash each day for almost four years now, and will continue to do so for the rest of their daughter's life. 'We see Katy's injuries every day. We see the challenges she continues to face, the strength she demonstrates in overcoming them, and the impact this tragedy has had on her life and the lives of those who love her. No verdict can change those realities.'  Katerina 'Katy' Puig, pictured, who was 17 at the time of the crash, survived but was left with severe, lifelong disabilities Katy Puig after the accident. Her family condemned the jury's decision to acquit George Pino George Pino, 55, was found not guilty over the horrific boat crash that killed a teenage girl and left another permanently disabled The Puigs thanked the prosecution for their efforts, but also claimed the case was 'compromised from the very beginning.' They alleged that there were 'critical investigative failures' in the immediate aftermath of the crash, including the fact that Pino did not undergo a sobriety test. 'While we respect our system of justice and the role of the jury, we profoundly disagree with the verdict. Based on the evidence presented, we believe George Pino should have been held accountable for the reckless operation of his vessel,' they concluded.  Fernandez's family declined an interview request, but shared a statement with the Daily Mail.  'While we do not agree with the verdict, we respect the judicial process and the role of the jury. This case was always bigger than George Pino. It is about our daughter, Lucy, and a family who loved her and refused to stop fighting for her,' the victim's family said. 'Her story has already changed the landscape of boating in Florida, including how we think about safety on the water and how reckless behavior is addressed and enforced. 'Regardless of the outcome of this case, we hope no one walks away believing that the circumstances that led to Lucy’s death were acceptable. Lucy’s life mattered. It will go on mattering long after this verdict is forgotten,' they added. The family vowed to keep fighting for 'tougher laws' and 'stronger enforcement,' and reiterated that they 'hope no one walks away believing that the circumstances that led to Lucy’s death were acceptable.' A medical examiner ruled that Lucy Fernandez, 17, pictured, died from blunt force trauma and drowning Pino was driving a 29ft Robalo boat, pictured, when he crashed into a steel channel marker Pino could be seen clenching his teeth and looking down at the table in the courtroom as the not guilty verdict was announced Lucy Fernandez and Katy Puig were onboard the boat with the Pino family for a party celebrating the 18th birthday of Pino's daughter Carolina. Investigators said Pino was at the helm as the boat headed back toward the dock. He told authorities another vessel had produced a large wake, and that he turned to check on the girls before the boat collided with the marker. The impact hurled the people on board into the water and punched a huge hole into the side of the vessel. Eleven of the 14 people on board were injured, according to investigators, and six were taken to hospital. A medical examiner ruled that Fernandez died from blunt force trauma and drowning.  Puig, now 21, was severely injured in the crash. The prosecution claimed that Pino was intoxicated. Pino argued he was not drunk and had only had a small amount of beer throughout the day.  Prosecutor Adams showed jurors the video of Lucy and the other girls dancing before the crash, arguing it demonstrated the atmosphere aboard the vessel before it set off toward the channel.  After hearing from survivors, first responders, medical specialists, boating experts and members of the victims' families, the six-person jury returned not-guilty verdicts.  Lucy Fernandez died in the crash in September 2022 The Puigs shared how they have lived with the 'consequences' of the deadly crash each day for almost four years now, and will continue to do so for the rest of their daughter's life As Monday's 'not guilty' verdict was read aloud in court, Pino broke down in tears.  In a statement to the Daily Mail, Pino's attorney Howard Srebnick said: 'The boat crash was an accident, not a crime.  'The eyewitness testimony from passengers, Good Samaritans and first-responders proved that Mr Pino was not alcohol-impaired, was not speeding, and joined efforts to rescue passengers in the moments after he sustained a traumatic brain injury. 'We continue to mourn the loss of Lucy Fernandez, pray for those who will forever be affected by this maritime misfortune, and hope that the verdict allows everyone to continue the long process of healing,' Srebnick added.  After the verdict, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement that her office decided to charge Pino with a felony after determining that there was sufficient evidence that Pino's actions were reckless, although the jury ultimately disagreed. 'Sadly, I know that this verdict brings no comfort to the Fernandez and Puig families who forever must live with the tragedy of what happened,' Fernandez Rundle said. 'In a case like this, there are no winners or losers. Mr Pino must live with what he did, while the Fernandez and Puig families will grapple with the consequences of his actions.'  Daily Mail has approached Puig's family for comment.  No comments have so far been submitted. 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