Florida girl killed after being hit by sturgeon jumping in boat

Rippy, 5, is first fatality recorded from a sturgeon strike on the Suwannee River

A 5-year-old Florida girl died last week after a sturgeon in the Suwannee River jumped into the boat she was riding in and struck her, according to online reports.

Jaylon Rippy died Thursday in accident in North Florida, and her mother and brother also were injured and were treated in a Gainesville hospital.

State officials said this was the first known fatality from a sturgeon strike on the Suwannee, but four other people have already been injured this year.

The fish are known for leaping more than 7 feet into the air, and can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Boaters are urged to avoid the bow of the boat and wear life jackets to avoid injury.