A North Carolina boater is facing charges, following a 10-year-old’s death Saturday in Chatham County.
At Shearon Harris Lake on Saturday afternoon, 10-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll tragically lost her life when a boater, identified as 40-year-old Quinten Gregory Kight, reportedly collided with a group of individuals.
The crash happened near Cross Point Access Area, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.
While operating his boat, Kight crashed into swimmers approximately 100 feet from the shore. Jennifer Stehle, another victim of the crash, sustained serious injuries and later had her leg amputated, according to FOX 10.
The charges against the defendant include felony operation of a motor vessel while under the influence, unintentionally causing serious injury, among others,
On Monday, Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman stated that investigators collected 39 empty beer cans from Kight’s boat, according to WRAL.
Investigators found additional alcohol containers outside the vessel, which police believe belonged to others on Kight’s boat.
“They found 39 empty beer cans in Mr. Kight’s boat, seven of which appear to have been shotgunned,” Nieman said.
Reports suggest that just before the crash, Kight was looking back at a tuber he was pulling behind the boat. It is alleged that he subsequently attempted to discard alcohol from his boat.
He remains behind bars on a $500,000 secured bond amount.
Court records reveal that Kight is also facing a pending charge in Moore County from a felony hit-and-run incident in December 2023 that resulted in injuries.
According to the Sun Sentinel, Brooklyn was on track to begin fifth grade at West Lake Elementary School in Apex. Stehle, who was acquainted with Brooklyn’s mother, worked as a school social worker.
“Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy—the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our sweet Brooklyn Mae,” a GoFundMe fundraiser for Brooklyn’s family read.
“BB was a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Her laughter, kindness, and energy brought so much joy to her family and friends.”
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: GFM]
