Rita and Stephan Mariani, beloved members of the Marco Island community, were killed in a jet ski crash on Sunday after their jet ski hit a boat lift on Caxambas Bay, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.Becky Irwin, a former council member and a friend of the Marianis, said, “They were both at 9/11 in New York as police. I was at the 9/11 memorial here on Marco Island just this month and they were both there,” Irwin said. “They were just wonderful people.”Irwin described the Marianis as beautiful people who shared a deep love for each other. “They were heroes, truly, in the true sense of the word. They were beautiful people. They loved each other. I think everybody wishes they had a love like that. They were just wonderful people. The news is shocking,” she said.Friends said the couple was very social and knew many people on the island, with Rita’s favorite activity being dancing.”It was Friday night, no one was around and it was just the two of us on the dance floor and sometimes Stephan,” said Tennille Tateo, a friend of 17 years. Tennille Tateo knew the couple for 17 years. She said they were like family. “Their families are crushed. Our friends are crushed,” Tateo said. “These are people that that live the Marco Island dream.” “Rita and Stefan loved Marco Island. They loved their friends. Every single one of their friends was like a family member. They will be cherished by everyone who knew them. I know that,” Irwin said.FWC is looking for witnesses and people who may have captured the crash on camera to assist with their investigation into what happened leading up to the accident.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. —

Rita and Stephan Mariani, beloved members of the Marco Island community, were killed in a jet ski crash on Sunday after their jet ski hit a boat lift on Caxambas Bay, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Becky Irwin, a former council member and a friend of the Marianis, said, “They were both at 9/11 in New York as police. I was at the 9/11 memorial here on Marco Island just this month and they were both there,” Irwin said. “They were just wonderful people.”

Irwin described the Marianis as beautiful people who shared a deep love for each other. “They were heroes, truly, in the true sense of the word. They were beautiful people. They loved each other. I think everybody wishes they had a love like that. They were just wonderful people. The news is shocking,” she said.

Friends said the couple was very social and knew many people on the island, with Rita’s favorite activity being dancing.

“It was Friday night, no one was around and it was just the two of us on the dance floor and sometimes Stephan,” said Tennille Tateo, a friend of 17 years.

Tennille Tateo knew the couple for 17 years. She said they were like family.

“Their families are crushed. Our friends are crushed,” Tateo said. “These are people that that live the Marco Island dream.”

“Rita and Stefan loved Marco Island. They loved their friends. Every single one of their friends was like a family member. They will be cherished by everyone who knew them. I know that,” Irwin said.

FWC is looking for witnesses and people who may have captured the crash on camera to assist with their investigation into what happened leading up to the accident.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.