FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFOR/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) — A devastating watercraft accident in the waterways of Fort Lauderdale has left a family shattered and a community mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Rachel Nisanov. Her older sister, 16-year-old Aviva Nisanov, remains hospitalized as loved ones pray for her recovery.
The crash occurred on Tuesday during what was meant to be a time of joy and summer fun. Instead, it turned into a nightmare that forever altered the Nisanov family.
In a powerful and emotional account, the girls’ brother, Yonah Nisanov, described the terrifying moments that followed the accident.
“My father doesn’t even know how to swim. He jumped in. My sisters were unconscious. They were just… the lifeguard life jackets were on. They were lying flat, and my father jumped in and scraped up his hands, his feet, and his back all over to save them. And he did what he could. And thank God, one of them he was able to [save], and the other one, unfortunately, didn’t make it.”
Rachel Nisanov, only 14, was known for her kind heart, quiet strength, and deep spirituality. She found joy in lifting others up and was a constant source of light and compassion to those around her. Whether she was helping a friend or spending time with family, Rachel’s warmth and grace left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
As her family now grapples with unimaginable grief, they are also holding onto hope for Aviva’s recovery and strength for the difficult road ahead.
This tragedy has touched countless hearts. A vibrant young life lost far too soon. A family broken by grief, yet clinging to faith and love in the face of the unthinkable.
Rachel’s memory will live on in the lives she touched — in the kindness she showed, in the love she gave so freely, and in the legacy of compassion she leaves behind.
Please keep the Nisanov family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly painful time. May they find comfort in community, and may Rachel’s soul rest in eternal peace.
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