RIVERVIEW, Fla. — The man accused of hitting and killing a 12-year-old girl who was tubing on the Alafia River in May has been formally charged.

What You Need To Know

Andrew Miltner, 40, is accused of speeding on his personal watercraft in an idle speed zone on the river on May 17, 2020, after he drank alcohol. Investigators say he hit a tube being pulled by a boat. 

Jasina Campbell, 12, was on the tube with her 13-year-old friend. Jasina was killed. The friend suffered minor injuries. 

Investigators say Miltner’s BAC was 0.07 about four hours after the crash. Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren announced the charges against Miltner on Monday. 

"In that moment he ended everything. Not just Jasina’s day of fun, but her entire life,” said Warren.

Nearly seven months have passed since the crash. Warren said it took this long to make the arrest partly because of the pandemic slowing things down. It also took time for FWC to gather all the evidence.

Miltner is currently being held in the Hillsborough County Jail in leiu of a $75,000 bond. He’s charged with boating under the influence manslaughter and vessel homicide.

Warren says if he’s convicted on one of the charges, the two will merge and he will face up to 15 years in prison.

Jasina’s grandmother, Donna Campbell, spoke after Warren announced the charges. She said Jasina was a happy child who loved her family. She said her parents, loved ones and friends miss her every day. 

“She was always happy. From the time she was a baby until her last day,” said Campbell.

As we approach the holiday weekend, Warren and Campbell hope people will hear about Jasina’s story and think before they drink and drive or operate a boat.

“It could happen to you, if you are the one that is doing the drinking and the driving or the boating," Campbell said. "Don’t ruin someone else’s life too."

“It’s been a long 2020, I know there’s a desire for people to get out and enjoy this time with loved ones," said Warren. "We just ask that people do it responsibly. Again if you’re going to drink, be responsible. Have a plan."

FWC continually patrols the waters across the state looking for impaired operators. People who see someone operating a boat dangerously or while impaired are encouraged to call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.