ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A 42-year-old Middleburg woman was killed in a boating accident Saturday night, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Jodi Nesi fell from the bow of a moving boat about 8:30 pm. Saturday and was struck by the boat's propeller in the Intracoastal Waterway near the St. Augustine Inlet, authorities said. She was airlifted to Flagler Hospital, where she died of her injuries.
The wife and mother of three died just days before her 43rd birthday.
According to the Clay County School District, Nesi had worked as a speech pathologist at Plantation Oaks Elementary, but was scheduled to move schools this year to Oakleaf Junior High.
One of Nesi's former coworkers and friends, Shannon Hube, told News4Jax on Monday that patience and dedication were just a few of the wonderful qualities that Nesi had.
"She said, 'Bruce, what did you do today?' And this is a kid who hadn't really said much of anything at all. He turned to me and looked at me and he said, 'I played outside today," Hube said. "I can still picture where I was standing. I'll never forget that."
That's one of several memories Hube has of Nesi. Hube said her now 18-year-old son wouldn't have the speech he does if it weren't for Nesi, whom she described as a miracle worker.
"There's not enough good words to describe her. Everybody she met, she touched," Hube said. "She's really going to be missed. (She's) irreplaceable. (There's) not many people in this world that I would say are as good-hearted as she was."
It was a tragic boating accident. Investigators said Nesi was kneeling at the front of 19-foot center console boat with seven people on board when the boat went over rough water in the Intracoastal Waterway, Nesi lost her balance, fell in and was run over by the boat.
The others on the boat at the time but were not injured, officials said.
The FWC reminded people about boating safety. Wildlife officials advised that people always stay seated when the boat is moving, always wear life jackets and have enough for each person on the boat, and check the weather since conditions can change in an instant.
Hube said Nesi leaves behind her husband and three children -- a 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl, who just moved to begin college at the University of Central Florida.
The boating accident happened on Nesi's 14-year-old daughter's birthday, Hube said, and the family is not doing well. Hube asked for prayers for the family members.
"You've got to grasp (life) by the moment. You just can't live for tomorrow. You have to live for today. You can't take anything for granted," Hube said. "Hug your kids. Hug your wife. Hug your spouse."
The Clay County School District on Tuesday released the following statement on Nesi's death.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our employee, Jodi Nesi, this weekend. We want to extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Jodi was a beloved wife, mother, and educator. She worked as a speech pathologist at Plantation Oaks Elementary and was preparing to start the new school year at Oakleaf Junior High. She was a strong advocate for students and made a positive impact on hundreds of students and families in Clay County.
"We will have counselors available at Plantation Oaks Elementary tomorrow (Wednesday) to provide support to the community as they cope with this devastating loss."
A viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens on Blanding Boulevard. Nesi's funeral will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Orange Park United Methodist Church, followed by the interment at Holly Hills on Old Jennings Road.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coppergate Elementary School on Copper Colts Court in Middleburg.
A YouCaring page has been set up to help the family with funeral and other expenses.