Girl, Jayln Rippy, Killed By Sturgeon Fish That Jumped Aboard Family Boat

5-Year-Old Girl Killed By Fish That Jumped Aboard Family Boat

A five-year-old girl has been killed when a sturgeon jumped aboard her family's boat while holidaying on Florida.

Jayln Rippy was cruising on the Suwanee River with her mother, Tanya, and nine-year-old brother, Trevor, when the incident happened.

They both suffered serious injuries according to local wildlife officials.

Jayln and her mother, Tanya

A fundraising page has been set up to cover medical bills and the cost of the funeral.

It says: "The Rippy family was involved in an accident on Thursday, July 2, 2015 where a sturgeon collided with their boat.

"Their precious baby Jayln became an angel early July 3, 2015. Tanya and Trevor will both have to see specialist and face possible surgeries.

"This family will also face the cost of the funeral. Please donate what you can and continue to keep them in your prayers more than everything!"

Sturgeon fish can grow up to eight feet and weigh 90KG.

This is the first case of a fatality caused by a sturgeon but four other people have been injured this year.

Major Andy Krause, of the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission, said: "With the low water levels in the river system, the sturgeon are jumping much more frequently than in recent years.

"We want everyone boating on the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers to be aware that the sturgeon are jumping and that people have been injured."

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