No Charges For DJ Laz In Fatal Boating Accident
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KEY BISCAYNE (CBSMiami) – Lazaro "DJ Laz" Mendez – a popular Miami radio personality – will not be charged by prosecutors for his involvement in Key Biscayne boating accident that killed a man, according to his attorney.
The accident happened on May 11th, 2014, when Mendez's boat got trapped on a sandbar.
Several people were helping to push the boat off the sandbar at Nixon Beach when 23-year old Ernesto Hernandez pitched in to help.
As everyone pushed, Hernandez was fatally slashed by the engine's propellers.
The medical examiner listed his cause of death as "multiple chop wounds."
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On the Monday following the incident, Mendez posted this statement on his Facebook and Twitter pages:
"I am incredibly distraught over the unfortunate accident that occurred yesterday at Nixon Beach. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ernesto Hernandez; they are in our thoughts and prayers. I have and will continue to cooperate fully with investigators during this tragic time." -Lazaro Mendez
Investigators worked to determine if alcohol, carelessness or recklessness played a role. But investigators at the scene reportedly observed "no blood shot eyes, slurred speech or unsteady movement" from Mendez.
Mendez, in a statement Thursday, said, "My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Hernandez family as they continue to heal from the loss of Ernesto from the sad, tragic day."
His attorney, Mycki Ratzan also released a statement about the decision saying, "This is a tragedy, that is undeniable, but we appreciate the State Attorney's office reviewing the clear evidence and not compounding the tragedy by filing criminal charges where none are warranted or appropriate. Though there are no winners here today, justice was served."