The husband of the President of Bloomsbury USA, who died after being thrown into a ship’s propeller in a speedboat accident, has issued a statement on behalf of the family, urging Italian officials to conduct a full investigation into the incident.
In his release, Mike White also paid tribute to his late wife, 45-year-old Adrienne Vaughan, calling her “to many a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece and dear friend and colleague.”
“Her absence from our lives and the horrific circumstances of her death are unimaginable,” he added. Italian media have reported that the captain of the boat White and Vaughan were on has tested positive for cocaine.
“We expect the Italian authorities to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to Adrienne’s death, determine where responsibility lies and ensure that any person found to be responsible is brought to justice within the Italian criminal justice system accountable,” continued White.
He said the family is cooperating with the investigation. White also thanked those who offered their condolences “after these unimaginable events.”
The family were traveling to the picturesque clifftop town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast on Thursday night when the tragic accident happened
New York-born Vaughan was reportedly “dreaming” about her family vacation in Italy
Last week, Salerno’s chief prosecutor, Giuseppe Borrelli, said at a press conference in that port city that the captain was under investigation on suspicion of causing a shipwreck.
No charges have been filed against 30-year-old Elio Persico and investigations are ongoing.
The skipper was injured in the crash, as was White. The couple’s children, Leanna, 14, and Mason, 11, were unharmed but were treated for shock.
The motorboat crashed into a chartered sailboat on which around 70 guests were enjoying a wedding party on board.
Persico, from Massa Lubrense, near Sorrento, suffered fractured pelvis and ribs and now faces possible charges of shipwreck, manslaughter and negligent assault.
Prosecutor Marinella Guglielmotti questioned the captain at the hospital and demanded his phone records, Il Messaggero said.
According to Italian media, he also tested positive for alcohol and cocaine.
The horrifying crash was captured in shocking footage aboard the Tortuga ship.
The bride and groom danced with their guests amid picturesque scenery just moments before the music stopped as the speedboat crashed into the side of their ship.
Horrified guests gasped and rushed to the perimeter to offer bouncy castles to the family.
Skipper Elio Persico, 30, from Massa Lubrense near Sorrento, was allegedly drunk and using his cellphone before the boat carrying the New York family crashed, killing Vaughan
The 45-year-old publishing director has been described as a “charismatic true leader”.
New York-born Vaughan had reportedly “dreamed” about her family vacation in Italy, and her husband shared a Facebook post showing the foursome tanned and beaming alongside the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum just a day before the crash.
They were en route to Positano in the 29-foot motorboat when their ship crashed into the Tortuga ship in Fiordo di Furore.
Two doctors, who were among the passengers on the wedding sailboat, jumped into the sea to help Vaughan while a nearby ship brought them ashore, Italian state broadcaster reported, citing the sailboat’s captain.
But Borrelli said Vaughan died before a medical helicopter and local ambulance could get her to the hospital.
He declined to give details about her injuries and said the results of an autopsy are pending.
The couple’s two young children are now being cared for by one of their grandfathers, who has traveled to Italy to help while their father recovers.
Vaughan earned an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business before embarking on an impressive publishing career.
She then worked for Oxford University Press and from 2015 to 2018 for the Disney Publishing Group.
Vaughan joined Bloomsbury in 2020 as Executive Director and COO before being named the firm’s US President next year.
When she was promoted to the prestigious position, Bloomsbury praised her for her “strong leadership at a challenging time”.
According to Publishers Weekly, her tenure as president was focused on the company’s “next chapter,” including expansion across America “with a strong future and significant impact on the publishing industry.”
A former colleague on LinkedIn described her as a “charismatic true leader,” adding, “She was my coach and mentor.” I enjoyed working with her every day. It was always willing to help others.’
The tributes to the Bloomsbury mother and CEO continue to pour out.
Fellow publisher Mary Ann Naples described her death as an “unimaginable injustice” in a heartbreaking tribute to her friend.
“You and I have been through a lot together and supported each other,” said the vice president and editor of Hachette Books.
“With every step you showed that you care about other people, you spoke of your love for your children and family and how much you missed your father,” she added.
“You used to tell me stories about Leanna and Mason and how proud you were of them.”
Naples said Vaughan is “always proud” of her work and often offers to help others in the industry.
“When I congratulated you on your promotion to Bloomsbury President, you said, ‘It still feels like a dream,’ and you were so happy,” she recalled.
“I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else.” I will always miss you; You are my friend forever.’