A speedboat captain, Elio Persico, has been convicted of manslaughter following a fatal collision off the Amalfi Coast in Italy that resulted in the death of Adrienne Vaughan, the president of the US division of Bloomsbury Publishing. Persico, aged 32, received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison after agreeing to a plea deal.
The tragic incident occurred on August 3, 2024, when the speedboat carrying Vaughan, her husband, and their two children collided with a 130-foot sailboat. Vaughan was thrown into the water and struck by the speedboat’s propeller, leading to her untimely death. Persico was charged with manslaughter and negligent injury for allegedly piloting the boat while intoxicated with both alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of the crash, which also resulted in injuries to himself.
According to witness Pietro Iuzzolino, the sailboat and the motorboat were on a collision course when the motorboat suddenly veered 180 degrees, resulting in a violent impact. Iuzzolino claimed that Persico appeared inebriated, mentioning that he witnessed Persico vomiting post-collision. Vaughan was rescued from the water but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries despite efforts to revive her.
Following the crash, Vaughan’s husband, Mike White, sustained injuries requiring collarbone surgery, while their children, though physically unharmed, received treatment for shock. White alleged that Persico had been distracted by his phone during the voyage, as reported by Il Messaggero.
In a statement, White expressed profound grief over the loss of his wife, describing her as a cherished family member and friend. Bloomsbury Publishing, known for the Harry Potter book series, extended condolences and honored Vaughan’s memory in a statement released after her passing. Nigel Newton, the Chief Executive, praised Vaughan’s leadership qualities and dedication to the company, emphasizing her significant role in expanding Bloomsbury’s presence in the US market.
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