SALERNO, ITALY: The devastating aftermath of a speedboat crash has left the husband of Bloomsbury USA's president mourning the death of his wife, and he points to the Italian skipper's alleged distraction as a contributing factor to the tragedy. Adrienne Vaughan, 45, met a tragic end during a speedboat crash that unfolded on Thursday, August 3.
She was on board a rented speedboat accompanied by her husband, Mike White, and their two children. The vessel collided with a stationary 130-foot chartered ship carrying 80 guests attending a wedding party, resulting in Vaughan's untimely death and leaving White with injuries, including a dislocated shoulder and lacerations.
Who is Elio Persico?
The skipper of the speedboat, Captain Elio Persico, 30, drew attention for his alleged impairment while steering the vessel. Tests supposedly revealed the presence of alcohol and cocaine in his system shortly after the accident. Additionally, reports suggest that White informed rescuers that Persico had been distracted by his phone during the critical moments leading up to the collision, which unfolded on the waters near Fiordo di Furore as the family's speedboat rammed into the side of the Tortuga ship, as per Daily Mail.
A video captured the horrifying moment revealed the stark contrast between the celebratory atmosphere of the wedding party atop the chartered ship and the sudden impact of the crash. Moments before the speedboat collided with their vessel, the bride and groom, as well as their guests, were caught on the clip dancing against the backdrop of picturesque scenery. The joyful music suddenly faded as the impact reverberated, prompting horrified gasps from the onlookers who rushed to the edge to provide inflatable support to the distressed family. Despite the rescue efforts of those present, including two doctors among the wedding guests, Vaughan succumbed to her injuries before medical assistance could reach her. Her children, Leanna,14, and Mason, 11, escaped physical harm but were provided treatment for shock.
'It still feels like a dream!'
Persico, who hails from Massa Lubrense near Sorrento, also suffered injuries, such as pelvis and rib fractures. As investigations continue, he faces the possibility of several charges, including shipwreck, manslaughter, and negligent injury. Amid the grief and shock, tributes have been pouring in for Vaughan, whose vibrant spirit left a mark on the publishing industry. As the US president of Bloomsbury, Vaughan was celebrated for her strong leadership and vision for the company's future. Her colleagues remember her as a "charismatic true leader" who was always willing to lend a helping hand, as per Daily Mail.
Fellow publishing director Mary Ann Naples described her death as an "unimaginable injustice" in a heart-wrenching tribute to her friend on Monday, August 8. "You and I have been through a lot together, and supported each other through a lot," said the VP and publisher of Hachette Books, adding, "At every step, you showed caring for other people, you spoke of your love of your kids and your family, how much you missed your father. You always told me stories about Leanna and Mason and told me how proud you were of them. When I congratulated you on your promotion to President at Bloomsbury, you said, 'It still feels like a dream,' and you were so happy," she recalled. "I would not have wanted anyone else. I’ll always miss you; you are my friend forever."
