US News
New Jersey woman charged in Memorial Day boat crash that killed son
Authorities allege the boat operator was intoxicated when her vessel struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay.
The short version
- A 59-year-old New Jersey woman faces charges including death by vessel and operating under the influence following a fatal May boat collision.
- The crash occurred when a 23-foot boat struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay, throwing two passengers into the water and killing the operator's 28-year-old son.
- Four other passengers sustained minor injuries, and the operator surrendered to state police following an investigation.
Key facts
- Jennifer L. Pearson was charged with death by vessel, operating under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a safety certificate, and failure to maintain a proper lookout.[Fox News]
- The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Memorial Day in Barnegat Bay near Long Beach when a 23-foot center console boat struck a channel marker.[Fox News]
- The impact threw Gunnar Pearson, 28, and his girlfriend into the water; Gunnar Pearson later died at a hospital, while four other passengers were treated for minor injuries.[Fox News]
- Court records indicate Pearson's blood alcohol content was measured between .09 and .12 percent, above the legal threshold of .08 percent.[Fox News]
- Pearson surrendered to New Jersey State Police on August 19 and was detained at the Ocean County Jail.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Police stated that the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under active investigation.[Fox News]