UPDATE: Flying stingray death
Medical examiner: Woman struck by ray died from collision
By
The Associated Press
Story Created:
Mar 21, 2008 at 1:26 PM EST
Story Updated:
Mar 21, 2008 at 7:14 PM EST
MARATHON, Fla. (AP) - A medical examiner has determined that a woman died from a collision when she was struck by a ray that jumped out of the water in a freak accident in the Florida Keys.
Pigeon, Mich., resident Judy Kay Zagorski was sitting in the front seat of a boat going 25 mph on Thursday. A 75-pound spotted eagle ray leapt from the water and hit her in the face.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner determined Friday she died "suddenly from blunt trauma to the head caused by the collision with the eagle ray."
The family requested that no autopsy be performed. Authorities say Zagorski was not stung by the ray's barb. Wildlife officials say such deaths are extremely rare. They say boaters should watch for the rays that often swim in groups near the surface, and slow down.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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