Jose Castro Palm Harbor Death and Obituary – On the night of Sunday, April 27, 2025, a tragic hit-and-run boat collision in Clearwater Bay claimed the life of Jose Castro, a 41-year-old resident of Palm Harbor. The incident, which involved a 37-foot pleasure boat crashing into the 40-foot Clearwater Ferry, has sent shockwaves through the Clearwater community and sparked an ongoing investigation by multiple agencies.
At approximately 8:43 p.m., authorities received a distress call reporting the crash, which occurred beneath the Clearwater Memorial Causeway bridge. The Clearwater Ferry, a vessel operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, was ferrying 45 passengers at the time. Tragically, Castro, who was aboard the ferry, succumbed to his injuries on the scene. Despite the swift response of emergency medical teams, which included Clearwater Police, Fire & Rescue, and the United States Coast Guard, Castro’s death marked the tragic consequence of a senseless accident.
According to Captain Matthew Dallarosa of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the accident led to at least ten other ferry passengers sustaining various injuries. These ranged from broken bones to head trauma and other soft tissue injuries. Clearwater Emergency Medical System Chief Tony Tedesco described the event as a “Level One Mass Casualty” incident due to the scale of the emergency response required.
Eyewitnesses recounting the chaotic moments leading up to the collision revealed the horror passengers experienced. One witness recalled hearing the ferry’s first mate shout warnings just moments before impact. A blue-and-white pleasure boat, later identified as a 37-foot vessel operated by Jeffrey Knight, was seen speeding toward the ferry from behind. The crash caused the ferry’s bow to lift sharply before coming down violently. The smaller boat quickly backed away and fled the scene, traveling over three miles before docking at Belleair Boat Ramp.
The operator of the recreational vessel, Jeffrey Knight, who is also the owner of Jannus Landing, was later located at the Belleair Boat Ramp. Knight was tested for alcohol, but authorities confirmed that no alcohol was present in his system at the time of the incident. Nevertheless, law enforcement officials are continuing to examine several potential factors contributing to the crash, including speed, negligence, and Knight’s failure to remain at the scene of the accident to render aid.
Authorities have gathered video evidence from a nearby city park, which shows the sequence of events leading up to the collision. The footage, captured in dim lighting, shows the ferry traveling east under the Memorial Causeway bridge, its running lights clearly visible. A faster-moving boat is seen approaching from behind and striking the ferry’s stern on the starboard side, causing it to lurch into the air before crashing back down. The pleasure boat then distances itself from the ferry and flees the scene.
As part of the investigation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard are working together to piece together the details of the crash. Although no charges have been filed yet, authorities are actively reviewing Knight’s actions and other contributing factors that led to the accident.
The Clearwater Ferry has been a vital transportation service for locals and tourists alike, connecting the mainland to Clearwater Beach. The tragedy that struck on Sunday night is one of the most severe incidents in the ferry’s history, with profound emotional and community impacts.
The loss of Jose Castro has left family, friends, and the Clearwater community devastated. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the crash and holding those responsible accountable. The case remains under investigation, and updates are expected in the coming days.