Girl Killed By Sturgeon: 5-Year-Old Girl Killed When Sturgeon Lands In Family’s Boat

A girl was killed by a sturgeon while on vacation with her family in Florida over the holiday weekend. According to Mail Online, five-year-old Jayln Rippy was killed when the sturgeon jumped into the boat she and her family were riding in on the Suwannee River.

The girl’s mother, Tanya Faye, 31, and her brother, Trevor, 9, were also injured. The three were rushed to an area hospital for treatment, but Jayln didn’t make it. Her mother and brother suffered severe injuries, and may both need surgery. Tanya suffered facial injuries while Trevor suffered a broken arm.

For those who don’t know, a sturgeon is a primitive fish made up of mostly cartilage. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the bottom feeders are usually found in rivers, but are located in waters in many parts of the world including Europe, Asia, and America. A sturgeon can grow to be 12 feet long, and some can get even bigger. They can weigh up to 200 pounds, and leap out of the water at times, landing where they may. This time, the fish landed on the Rippy family’s boat.

The girl killed by the sturgeon was the first death by sturgeon this year. Officials say that four other people have been injured by this kind of fish, likely because the sturgeon have been jumping quite a bit recently.

“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,” said Maj. Andy Krause, FWC regional commander in Lake City.

According to Fox News, friends of the Rippy family have set up a GoFundMe page in hopes to help pay for Jayln’s funeral, as well as any hospital bills that may arise.

“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!”

Over $13,000 has been raised for the girl killed by the sturgeon and her family. Hundreds of people have donated and are trying to get the family to their goal of $25,000.

[Photo via GoFundMe]