• ‘Harry Potter’ publishing house president killed in boat crash

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    ‘Harry Potter’ publishing house president killed in boat crash

    President of Bloomsbury USA publishing house renowned for its association with the iconic "Harry Potter" series, lost her life in a...


    Digital Desk: In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the literary world in shock, Adrienne Vaughan, the president of Bloomsbury USA publishing house renowned for its association with the iconic "Harry Potter" series, lost her life in a tragic boat accident off the picturesque Amalfi Coast in Italy. The accident occurred on Thursday, August 3, when the family was aboard a speeding boat that collided with a sailing ship carrying 85 people celebrating a wedding.


    The entire Vaughan family was on board during the ill-fated ride, with Adrienne's husband sustaining injuries, and their children, 14-year-old daughter Leanna and 11-year-old son Mason, miraculously emerging unharmed but requiring treatment for the emotional trauma they endured.


    "Adrienne Vaughan was a leader of dazzling talent and passion and had a deep commitment to authors and readers. Most of all, she was an extraordinary human being, and those of us who had the opportunity to work with her will be forever fortunate," said the association's board chair, Julia Reidhead, and its president and CEO, Maria A Pallante, in a joint statement.


    The tragic accident unfolded when the speeding boat, operated by a 30-year-old man whose identity has yet to be disclosed, collided with the sailing ship "Tortuga," carrying a festive wedding gathering of 85 people. Italian state TV reports that the impact forcefully propelled Adrienne Vaughan into the water, where she tragically landed between the hulls of the two vessels. The motorboat's propeller inflicted fatal injuries.


    Pietro Iuzzolino, a bartender on the "Tortuga," recounted the horrifying scene, sharing, "She didn't have an arm, and the nape of her neck was white as if no blood was flowing. It was terrible."


    As details emerged, it became apparent that the driver of the speeding boat was under the influence of alcohol during the accident. Reports suggest that he failed toxicology tests administered after the crash, indicating that he was intoxicated at the time of the collision. Witnesses on the "Tortuga" noted his condition, as he was seen vomiting after the impact.


    After the tragic collision, first responders worked diligently to save Adrienne's life on the pier before transporting her in an ambulance. However, despite their valiant efforts, her condition continued to deteriorate. An air ambulance was summoned to the scene, but by the time it arrived around 7 pm local time, she had tragically succumbed to her injuries.


    The untimely demise of Adrienne Vaughan marks a profound loss not only to the literary community but to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and working alongside her. Her contributions to the publishing world, particularly in her association with the beloved "Harry Potter" series, have left an indelible mark. As the world mourns her passing, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire countless individuals in the realm of literature and beyond.