Body of 31-year-old American Airlines flight attendant washes ashore in Hollywood Beach, Florida; probe in progress

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) recently identified the woman whose body was discovered washed ashore on Hollywood Beach on June 3, adding that she was believed to have been killed in a “boating incident.”

The 31-year-old woman has been identified as Kellie Melinda Williams, an American Airlines flight attendant, CBS News reported. Her body was found near New Mexico Street by two fishermen in the surf who called Hollywood police at approximately 8 p.m. Citing a preliminary investigation, the FWC said Williams had injuries consistent with a vessel strike.

Here’s what we know

On June 4, homicide detectives said the woman had apparently been snorkeling or diving the day before her body was discovered along the shoreline.

Less than 24 hours after her body was discovered, Hollywood police released a statement that shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death. The statement said, “Based on the investigation, it appears that the deceased was snorkeling/diving in the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park area on June 3rd,” the statement read in part. “Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation investigators are working with Hollywood detectives on this case.”

Williams, originally from California, worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. In a statement to ABC News on June 7, American Airlines said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues at this time.”

The Miami chapter of the Professional Flight Attendant Association announced Williams’ death on Instagram, writing, “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and fellow MIA flight attendant Kellie Williams. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Kelli’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

In an interview with NBC6, Williams’ parents shared family photos and described their daughter as a great person and an accomplished snorkeler. She got married in October and recently moved to South Florida.

According to her Instagram account, Williams was an experienced scuba diver and her social media account is full of pictures of herself underwater. Her latest video posted on social media five weeks ago shows her snorkeling with the caption: “She made the cutest fish friend today!”

The diving site warns divers, snorkelers

Diving and hunting Facebook page, Killshot Life, wrote in a lengthy post about the dangers of diving in the area, saying: “This is a reminder to every diver, snorkeler, spearman and paddler reading this: don’t dive alone. Have a buddy. Have a plan. Use the right dive flag. Stay with it. Pay attention to everything that’s current, what the furthest and what changes. you can control.” He further noted, “And boaters need to understand that a diver flag is not a suggestion. It means there are human beings in the water. Slow down. Give it space. Keep your head on a swivel. In Florida, boaters are supposed to stay at least 300 feet from the diver flag in open water and 100 feet in rivers, bays or canals.”

Additionally, the cause of her death remains under investigation, the media reported.

Williams’ death came less than six months after another woman’s body was found on Hollywood Beach. In that case, investigators determined the victim was out of town, and the death was ultimately ruled a homicide.