THE PRINCIPAL of a Tampa charter school is killed when his personal watercraft collides with a boat near Clearwater Beach. Craig Butz of Altamonte Springs is dead, and his 4-year-old daughter suffers serious injuries, according to officials.

The principal of a Tampa charter school, who was once drafted into the National Hockey League, was killed Saturday when his personal watercraft collided with a boat near Clearwater Beach, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators said.

Craig Butz, 52, was critically injured in the collision, and his 4-year-old daughter who was on the vessel with him had serious injuries, officials said.

Butz, of Altamonte Springs, was flown to Morton Plant hospital and was pronounced dead. FWC Officer James Boogaerts said the child remains in critical condition.

The crash was in Bay Esplanade near Clearwater Beach, and is still under investigation, Boogaerts said.

In 2013, Butz was named principal of Pepin Academies, which is a charter school for children with learning disabilities, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

“In my four years working with Dr. Butz, he advanced the mission of Pepin Academies tenfold,” said Jeff Skowronek, the school’s chairman. “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.

The newspaper reported Butz was drafted in 1983 by the Detroit Red Wings and had developed a reputation as an enforcer in the Major Junior Hockey League. Butz never received a contract offer from the club, and instead pursued education.

World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Titus O’Neil paid tribute to Butz on Twitter, posting photos with his friend at a past dinner.

O’Neil asked his followers to pray for Butz’ family.