Publishing Executive Killed in Holiday Tragedy
A speedboat captain has been found guilty of manslaughter following a catastrophic collision off Italy's Amalfi Coast that claimed the life of Bloomsbury USA president Adrienne Vaughan. The 45-year-old publishing executive from New York was on a family holiday in 2023 when the tragic incident occurred.
Intoxicated Skipper Causes Deadly Collision
Elio Persico, the 32-year-old skipper, received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison after entering a plea bargain. His lawyer, Liberato Mazzola, confirmed the sentencing to AFP. According to CBS News, Persico tested positive for both alcohol and cocaine in his system immediately after the crash.
The fatal accident happened when Persico's 29-foot motorboat, carrying Vaughan, her husband, and their two children towards Positano, collided with the larger sailboat named Tortuga. The sailboat was carrying approximately 80 guests who had been celebrating a wedding reception.
Pietro Iuzzolino, a bartender working aboard the sailboat, provided a chilling account to Corriere del Mezzogiorno newspaper. He stated that the speedboat skipper appeared to be 'vomiting' and 'gave the impression he was drunk.' Iuzzolino described how both vessels were moving straight ahead before the motorboat suddenly veered 180 degrees, resulting in a tremendous collision.
Desperate Rescue Attempt and Aftermath
The impact threw Adrienne Vaughan overboard, where she tragically struck the boat's propellers. Her daughter was also flung into the water but fortunately escaped injury. Iuzzolino recounted the harrowing scene: 'I saw the woman in the water being held up by her children and her husband. It was terrible.'
Two doctors who were among the wedding guests immediately dove into the sea to assist Vaughan. She was brought to shore by a nearby vessel, but prosecutors confirmed she died before a medical helicopter or local ambulance could transport her to hospital.
Shocking footage from aboard the Tortuga captured the moment of impact, showing wedding guests dancing moments before the music fell silent as the speedboat slammed into their vessel. Horrified guests rushed to the edge, offering inflatables to the family in the water.
Vaughan had been 'dreaming' of her family's Italian vacation. Her husband, Mike, had shared a Facebook post just one day before the tragedy showing the family smiling beside Rome's Trevi Fountain and Colosseum.
Adrienne Vaughan, who held an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, had built an impressive publishing career with roles at Oxford University Press and Disney Publishing Group before joining Bloomsbury. She was promoted to US president of the company in 2021, with Bloomsbury praising her 'strong leadership during a challenging time.'
A former colleague described her as a 'charismatic true leader' and mentor. Her husband remembered her as a 'beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece and dear friend and colleague to many.'
