Clearwater and St. Petersburg Mourn the Loss of 49-Year-Old James J. Young Following Tragic Boating Accident Near Memorial Causeway Bridge
Clearwater, FL — The Clearwater and St. Petersburg communities are mourning the devastating loss of 49-year-old James J. Young, a beloved resident who tragically passed away during a boating accident near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025.
According to authorities, the accident occurred around 8:43 p.m. when the Clearwater Ferry, carrying more than 40 passengers, was struck by another vessel. After the collision, the ferry came to rest on a nearby sandbar. Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene and declared the incident a “mass casualty event” due to the large number of injuries. Despite the valiant efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, James J. Young succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a local trauma center.
James J. Young was known throughout Clearwater and St. Petersburg for his kindness, compassion, and deep commitment to his community. Friends and family remember him as someone who brought joy and warmth to every life he touched. Tributes have flooded social media platforms, with many highlighting his legacy of generosity, positivity, and his unwavering support for friends and neighbors.
In a statement released Monday morning, Clearwater Police confirmed that the operator of the boat that struck the ferry fled the scene. Authorities later located the suspect with the assistance of partnering agencies. An investigation, led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard, is ongoing. Officials have not yet publicly identified the suspect pending further investigation and potential criminal charges.
James J. Young’s family expressed their profound grief and gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from the community.
“James was the heart of our family,” they shared. “He lived every day with passion, love, and selflessness. Our loss is immeasurable, but we find strength in knowing how deeply he impacted everyone who knew him.”
In addition to James J. Young’s tragic death, several other ferry passengers were injured, some critically. Six individuals were classified as “trauma alerts,” and two were airlifted to trauma centers. Local hospitals, including Morton Plant Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, received multiple patients. The injured remain under medical care, with varying prognoses.
The incident has sparked urgent discussions regarding maritime safety around Clearwater’s popular waterways. City officials, law enforcement, and community leaders have pledged to reevaluate safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Plans for a public memorial service for James J. Young are underway, with his family inviting the community to celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Details will be announced in the coming days.
As Clearwater and St. Petersburg mourn this profound loss, police urge anyone who witnessed the accident or who has relevant information to contact Clearwater Police or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
