Aventura - Sunny Isles

Stranded motorist fell off a bridge in Sunny Isles Beach. Police found him Saturday morning

Miami-Dade police searched for hours for a man who was catapulted over the 163rd Street Bridge in Sunny Isles Beach.

According to Miami-Dade police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta, a motorist was stranded on Sunny Isles Boulevard on the westbound lanes at about 10:50 p.m. Friday when he was hit by another car that was traveling west. The man was thrown over the bridge into the waterways.

The westbound lanes of the bridge were blocked off as the search for the man continued Saturday morning.

The driver of the other car remained on the scene, Zabaleta said.

Just before noon, Zabaleta said the motorist’s body was found with the assistance of the department’s aviation and marine patrol units. The man’s family is being notified.

According to WSVN7, the driver in a black Ferrari got out of his car to check the engine when the other car hit the Ferrari and the man was sent over the railing.

Video crews from WSVN and WPLG-Local 10 showed Miami-Dade police helicopters and boats searching the waters at night and by morning light for the man. The broadcasts also show both damaged cars on the bridge. WPLG reported a white Maserati was towed from the scene.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 10:17 AM.

Howard Cohen
Miami Herald
Miami Herald consumer trends reporter Howard Cohen, a 2017 Media Excellence Awards winner, has covered pop music, theater, health and fitness, obituaries, municipal government, breaking news and general assignment. He started his career in the Features department at the Miami Herald in 1991. Cohen is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Communication. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER