A New York man is facing serious charges after allegedly causing a reckless and impaired jet ski collision in Madeira Beach that severely injured two juvenile passengers on Saturday afternoon. Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Daniel Patrick Grubert, 48, following the incident near Johns Pass.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:33 p.m. on October 12, 2025. According to investigators from the Marine Unit and the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), Grubert was operating a rented 2024 Yamaha WaveRunner and was allegedly racing another jet ski.
The arrest affidavit provides more details on the moments leading up to the crash. Authorities allege that Grubert was watching the friend behind him and not looking forward. When he finally did look forward, he saw the second jet ski and realized a collision was imminent. In a catastrophic move, Grubert allegedly jumped off of his jet ski while at speed, leaving the vessel unmanned.
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The runaway jet ski then crashed into a second rented Yamaha WaveRunner, operated by 45-year-old Walter Wodzien. Mr. Wodzien’s jet ski had two juvenile passengers aboard: a 7-year-old and an 8-year-old. All three occupants were ejected into the water upon impact.
The affidavit further states that the crash directly struck one of the victims, who did suffer serious bodily injuries and suffered an “near drowning.” The children were rushed to a local hospital; one with life-threatening injuries and the other with non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Wodzien was not injured in the collision.
The affidavit details Grubert’s apparent intoxication at the time of the arrest, noting he had the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, red eyes, and thick speech. Grubert admitted to drinking a “single Twisted Tea” but performed poorly on Field Sobriety Exercises.
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Grubert, whose residence is listed in Piermont, NY, was arrested and charged with two counts of BUI (Boating Under the Influence) Causing Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Reckless Operation of a Vessel. The affidavit confirms that Grubert refused a breath test after being read a BUI implied consent. Due to the life-threatening injuries of one victim, two blood draws were taken, with results pending.
Grubert was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where he is currently being held. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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