The fish leaped into the boat – and the girl’s mother and nine-year-old brother were also injured but their condition was not known

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A five-year-old Florida girl died after a sturgeon leaped into her boat along the Suwannee river and struck her.

Wildlife officials said Jaylon Rippy died after being struck Thursday night. Her mother and nine-year-old brother were also injured and taken to a Gainesville hospital. Their condition was not known.

The Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission said this is the first fatality recorded from a sturgeon strike on the Suwannee river. Four people have been injured by jumping sturgeon this year.

The fish are known for leaping more than 7ft above the water. They can grow up to 8ft long and weigh up to 200lbs and can cause serious injuries.