Michigan Woman Dies After Spotted Eagle Ray Jumps into Boat

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the death of Judy Kay Zagorski, 57, of Pigeon, Michigan. The victim died on Thursday after a spotted eagle ray apparently jumped from the water and collided with her as she boated with family in the waters near Vaca Key in Marathon, Fla.

She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead, although the cause of death still is under investigation.

According to the FWC, eagle rays are not an aggressive species, but they do tend to leap from the water. Spotted eagle rays can have a wingspan of up to 10 feet and can weigh 500 pounds.

OUR PARTNERS