What was meant to be a joyful family getaway to celebrate an eighth-grade graduation ended in heartbreak for the Nisanov family.
Rachel Aliza Nisanov, 13, of New York, tragically lost her life after a jet ski accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while her older sister Aviva, 16, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
A Brief Safety Warning Before the Accident
Just moments before the tragedy, Marine Unit officers had spoken to the sisters about water safety.
Officials described the encounter as a “brief and proactive” stop, prompted by a minor violation by the girls’ Yamaha personal watercraft.
However, because officers were responding to another call, no formal report was filed and no body camera footage exists.
Tragically, disaster struck only minutes later.
The Accident on the Water
Rachel and Aviva were riding along the Intracoastal Waterway near the 2800 block of Northeast 24th Court when their jet ski suddenly veered out of control.
According to preliminary reports, the sisters may have jumped the wake of a passing vessel, causing the watercraft to collide violently with a concrete dock.
Both girls were launched into the air before hitting the structure.
Their father, Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, who does not know how to swim, immediately jumped in to try and save them.
Their brother Yonah described the scene, noting that their life jackets were on and that their father scraped himself trying to rescue them.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Local residents rushed to help, and the sisters were transported to Broward Health Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Rachel tragically succumbed to blunt force injuries shortly afterward.
Aviva underwent surgery and remains sedated in critical but stable condition as doctors monitor her progress.
Family Grief and Farewell
Rachel had been enjoying a family surprise trip to mark her graduation.
Her father shared his anguish with reporters, expressing disbelief that he had to bury his daughter instead of enjoying time with her.
Yonah described Rachel as a kindhearted, spiritual young girl who always went the extra mile.
Rachel’s body was flown back to New York for a funeral at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Queens before being transported to Israel for burial in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Shlomo tearfully reflected on the tragedy, saying, “Parents are not supposed to bury their children. Children are supposed to bury their parents.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the accident. Officials continue to gather information about how the sisters lost control of the jet ski and the circumstances surrounding the collision.