Crime
Hit and run on water: At least 1 dead, several hospitalized after ferry struck by another boat in Clearwater
Clearwater, Fla. — Authorities confirm that at least one person has died and 12 others have been hospitalized following a collision involving the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:43 p.m. near the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
According to officials, the Clearwater Ferry, carrying more than 40 passengers, was struck by another vessel, which subsequently fled the scene.
Due to the number and severity of injuries, the Clearwater Fire Department declared the incident a mass casualty event.
First responders from multiple agencies, including fire, police, and EMS, were dispatched immediately to the crash site.
Approximately 51 individuals were evaluated at the scene.
Of those, 12 were transported to local hospitals for further medical treatment.
Six patients were designated as trauma alerts, with two airlifted by helicopter to trauma centers.
Initial medical reports indicate several patients sustained broken bones and other serious injuries.
The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
All passengers have been safely evacuated from the vessel.
No passengers are currently reported missing.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are leading the crash investigation.
Authorities have located the second vessel involved — a recreational boat — and its occupants are undergoing medical evaluation at the Belleair Boat Ramp, approximately 3.75 miles south of the crash site.
Clearwater officials released updated photos of the crash scene late Sunday night, confirming that all injuries originated from the ferry.
The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been publicly released, pending next-of-kin notification.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as agencies gather more information.
The Clearwater Police Department has asked anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the collision to contact authorities immediately.
Crime
Noemi Hernandez, Mother of Four Murdered By Her Husband Hector Luvianos Two Days Before Christmas
BATAVIA, Ill. — A devastating domestic homicide has left a family and community in mourning just days before Christmas.
Noemi Hernandez, a devoted mother of four, was fatally attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 23, in what prosecutors allege was a violent act committed by her husband.
The incident occurred at an apartment building in the 100 block of Church Street in Batavia.
According to court records and police reports, at approximately 4:37 a.m., Batavia police were dispatched after a man contacted emergency dispatchers and stated that he had killed his wife.
Responding officers located the man outside the apartment building and took him into custody without incident.
When officers entered the apartment, they found Hernandez suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries.
First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the suspect as Hector B. Luvianos, 37, who was transported to the Batavia Police Department for questioning.
With assistance from the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, investigators determined the incident was domestic-related and involved only the two individuals. Police emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
On Dec. 24, 2025, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers announced that Luvianos has been formally charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony under Illinois law.
He appeared in court the same day for a pretrial detention hearing, after which a judge ordered him held in the Kane County Jail while the case proceeds.
The Kane County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of Hernandez’s death.
In the wake of the tragedy, Hernandez’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and related expenses.
In the fundraiser, the family described Noemi as “the heart of her family,” noting that she worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and always placed her children first. Her sudden death, they wrote, has left the family emotionally devastated and financially unprepared.
As an immigrant family with limited resources and no life insurance, they now face the burden of funeral and cremation costs, legal fees, and other unexpected expenses, all while supporting four children grieving the loss of their mother.
The family is asking for community support to allow them to lay Noemi to rest with dignity and focus on healing rather than financial hardship.
The investigation remains ongoing.