Husband of Florida Keys parasailing victim speaks about fatal May 2022 crash

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – The husband of a woman killed in a Florida Keys parasailing accident is speaking about what happened.

Srinivasrao Alaparthi’s wife, 33-year-old Supraja Alaparthi, and two children were dropped and dragged through the water by an inflated parasail before colliding with the Old Seven Mile Bridge in May of 2022.

Authorities have since arrested 49-year-old Daniel Gavin Couch.

Alaparthi spoke with ABC News’ Gio Benitez about the moment he saw Couch cut the parasail’s rope, which led to the tragic results.

“I didn’t observe what exactly he’s doing, but when exactly he cut the rope it all kind of, like…fragmented,” he said. “That situation was crazy. But obviously, whatever he was doing, it was concerning for all of us.”

Alaparthi’s 10-year-old son and 7-year-old nephew were injured in the crash.

Police said Couch violated five commercial parasailing statutes and he was charged with one count of manslaughter.


About the Author

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.

Recommended Videos