DESTIN — As investigators work to piece together the events that led to the deaths of three Niceville residents, friends and family remain stunned.
The wreck of the 336 Cobalt craft that killed Taylor Evanoff, Jamilia Beltz and Robert Williams remains under investigation.
Lakesha Sullivan, Beltz’s aunt, said the 21-year-old Omaha, Neb., native had become good friends with Evanoff, who was 18.
“They were friends for almost a year now,” Sullivan said. “I didn’t know Taylor, but I knew they were good friends. What I don’t understand is why these two young girls were on a boat with this 47-year-old man.”
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Stan Kirkland, 47-year-old Williams, Evanoff and Beltz were dropped off by a cab late Thursday at Legendary Marine, where Williams was a longtime customer.
Kirkland said further questioning will take place this week to learn the exact time and location of the cab ride. Kirkland confirmed Evanoff had a mark on her hand indicating she had visited an area club that night.
“Taylor was a sweet girl with a complicated life,” said Debi Brooks, a cosmetology teacher at CHOICE Career and Technical Institute, where Evanoff attended until 2012.
“She was trying to get herself back on track. I lost track of her over the last few months. I was completely blown away and deeply unnerved when I heard she was killed.
“I hate when a young life is taken so short. She was one I was hoping would have made it.”
While Williams’ connection with the two girls is not apparent, the death of the former Bay High School boys basketball coach shocked those who knew him.
“My children miss their daddy,” said Williams’ ex-wife, Teri Van Dyke Williams, who said their four children range in age from 2 to 14. “We’re trying to make sense of this. There’s a lot of questions right now.
“We live in Niceville and the support has been tremendous. We appreciate everybody’s prayers during this time.”
Kirkland said officials are working to retrieve the boat, which could shed light on what led to the crash. A marine salvage tow will likely be on scene early this week.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.