The DogVacay and Gallant Founder Was Killed After a Motorboat Collided With His PWC
Aaron W. Hirschhorn was killed in late March 2021 while riding a personal watercraft in Miami Beach. He was a beloved Philadelphia native who had made a name for himself as an entrepreneur. His innovative ideas led to the creation of DogVacay and pet health start-up Gallant. Hirschhorn left behind a wife and three young children.
The legal team at Mase Mebane Seitz was saddened to hear of the loss of this young entrepreneur. Our attorneys understand the devastating toll that a boating accident can have on an individual and their family. We represent individuals and their families who have been injured or killed as a result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing on the water and on land.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident, contact our office today at (844) 627-3529 for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Miami and throughout South Florida.
A History of Success
Hirschhorn had recently relocated to Miami with his wife and three children after living in California. Originally from Philly, Hirschhorn and his wife teamed up to form DogVacay in 2012. The company experienced exponential growth offering dog owners an alternative to boarding their pets at a traditional kennel.
DogVacay, according to an in-depth Miami Herald article about the venture capitalist after his death, was eventually acquired by competitor Rover.com to become a billion-dollar pet services company in April 2017.
In 2019, he appeared on Shark Tank to pitch his idea for a pet health start-up. Gallant allows pet owners to bank their dogs’ stem cells to use in the treatment of common health conditions later in life. The idea earned him a $500,000 investment from the sharks. Today, Gallant is a leader in the industry for advancing stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine for dogs.
A Tragic Boating Accident
On March 28, at about 1:00 PM, a 38-foot Chris-Craft motorboat collided with the personal watercraft (PWC) Hirschhorn was riding, as reported by the Herald. The PWC is believed to have been a motorized hydrofoil board. Reports indicate the crash occurred in Biscayne Bay near the Meloy Channel. Mr. Hirschhorn succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the boating accident.
In addition to his roles as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, Hirschhorn helped provide financial support for other startup companies as an angel investor. He was 42 years old at the time of his death.
Contact Mase Mebane Seitz for More Information
Boating accidents are an all too common occurrence on South Florida waterways, causing unthinkable heartbreak to those involved. If you or a loved one have been involved in a personal watercraft accident or boating collision in Miami, call the attorneys at Mase Mebane Seitz at (944) 627-3529.
Our trial lawyers have recovered substantial compensation on behalf of our clients including a seven-figure result for a teenager injured while riding a jet ski. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.