Watch CBS News

Family Tragedy Leads To New Boating Safety Law In Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A family's tragedy has led to a new law.

A 16-year-old was killed in a boating accident last summer, with another teenager at the boat's controls, and on Friday, Connecticut's governor signed a law in the teen's name.

"It's really, really hard. We miss her a lot," Pamela Fedorko told CBS2's Dick Brennan.

Pamela and Joe Fedorko have bravely faced the pain no parent should ever feel -- the loss of their 16-year-old daughter Emily who was killed last year.

"She was a bright light when she was in the room. You knew she was in the room. You knew she was there, and we still feel her spirit, she is a part of our lives still," Pamela said.

Emily was tubing in waters off Todd's Point near Greenwich last summer, the propeller of their tow boat, operated by a 16-year-old struck and killed Emily and seriously injured another girl.

The accident inspired the family to fight for the passage of Emily's law. The bill signed on Friday, by Gov. Dannel Malloy raises the minimum age to tow in Connecticut from 13 to 16. It requires a towing safety course be completed, before a safety boating certificate can be issued.

"When I read about Emily's accident, her passing, it was moving but I could not have imagined what your strength would bring out of that tragic event," Malloy said.

The Fedorkos have started a foundation in Emily's name, they were giving out bracelets on Friday, in her memory. Despite all their pain they want to continue to bring meaning to all this. They want to promote safer boating laws, not just in Connecticut, but across the country.

"Our daughter has been with us every step, and we believe that she is guiding us and she was a very loving and caring person and we're just trying to emulate her," Joe said.

The bill also prohibits a boat owner from allowing someone under the age of 16 to drive while towing a water skier.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.