- Craig Butz, head of Pepin Academies in Clearwater, Florida crashed into boat
- 52 year old was flown to Morton Plant hospital where he was pronounced dead
- His four-year-old daughter is in an intensive care unit fighting for her life
The principal of a school for disabled pupils who was once drafted into the National Hockey League has been killed in a horror jet ski crash.
Craig Butz, head of Pepin Academies in Clearwater, Florida, crashed into a boat while driving a jet ski with his four-year-old daughter.
The 52 year old was flown to Morton Plant hospital where he was pronounced dead. His daughter remains there fighting for her life.
Craig Butz (right with Titus O’Neil), the principal of a school for disabled pupils who was once drafted into the National Hockey League, has been killed in a horror jet ski crash
Mr Butz was friends with WWE wrestler Titus O’Neil, who posted a picture of the pair on Twitter with the caption: ‘My friend Craig Butz passed away last night from a jet ski accident. Please keep his wife and their four-year-old old daughter in prayer as she’s in ICU.’
Pepin Academies Chairman Jeff Skowronek said: ‘In my four years working with Dr. Butz, he advanced the mission of Pepin Academies tenfold.
‘His wisdom and intelligence was matched by his passion and exuberance for the staff and students of our schools.
‘He was a leader, a champion, and a friend. The pain of his loss, both professionally and personally, will be felt for an eternity.’
Butz developed a reputation as an enforcer in the Major Junior Hockey League and was drafted in 1983 by the Detroit Red Wings but never given a contract.
Officials are investigating the crash in Bay Esplanade near Clearwater Beach.
Mr Butz (right) was friends with WWE wrestler Titus O’Neil (second left), who posted a picture of the pair on Twitter