Deputies Arrest New York Man After Jet Ski Crash in Madeira Beach (25-122)

MADEIRA BEACH – Deputies assigned to the Marine Unit and the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a jet ski crash in Madeira Beach.

According to investigators, on October 12, 2025, at approximately 2:33 p.m., 48-year-old Daniel Patrick Grubert was operating a rented 2024 Yamaha WaveRunner near Johns Pass. Grubert was racing another jet ski, was not looking ahead of him, and took his eyes off his direction of travel. Investigators say Grubert turned around, realized a crash was about to occur, and jumped off the WaveRunner. Grubert’s jet ski crashed into another rented Yamaha WaveRunner, operated by 45-year-old Walter Wodzien.

Investigators say Walter had 2 juvenile passengers on his WaveRunner at the time of the crash, a 7-year-old and an 8-year-old. All three were ejected from the jet ski and recovered from the water by the Madeira Beach Fire Department. The juveniles were transported to a local hospital, one with life-threatening injuries and one with non-life threatening injuries. Walter was not injured.

According to investigators, Grubert showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on Field Sobriety Tests. He was arrested and charged with two counts of BUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Reckless Operation of a Vessel. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:
Daniel Patrick Grubert (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 1/11/1977
Address: 632 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York
Charges: Two counts of BUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Reckless Operation.

Walter Wodzien (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 7/21/1980
Address:  4 West Sunset Road, Mt. Prospect, Illinois