A two-day family getaway turned tragic for Marco Malizia and his family after witnessing a deadly jet ski crash on Lake St. Clair Thursday afternoon, August 14, 2025.

While fishing near their rental on Couture Beach, they saw four teenage girls collide with a breakwall. A 17-year-old from Essex County later died, while a 16-year-old remains in critical condition. Two others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Malizia, his wife, and their 12-year-old daughter rushed to help—calling 911 and pulling the teens from the water until emergency crews arrived. “Just wish we could do more,” Malizia said. “If it was my daughter, I’d want someone to do the same.”

Shaken by the tragedy, the family expressed condolences to the victims’ families. A GoFundMe has since been launched to support the 16-year-old girl’s family as they travel from Alberta to be by her side.