BARNEGAT, NJ — Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, of Barnegat is facing multiple criminal charges in connection with a Memorial Day boating crash on Barnegat Bay that killed her 28-year-old son, Gunnar Pearson.
According to New Jersey State Police, the crash happened on May 25 at approximately 5:45 p.m. The boat Pearson was allegedly operating struck a day marker in Barnegat Bay near the Brant Beach section of Long Beach Township.
Gunnar Pearson and another passenger were thrown from the vessel and transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Gunnar later died from his injuries. Four other people aboard the boat suffered minor injuries.
Pearson has been charged with death by vessel, a second-degree offense, as well as operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation of a vessel, operating without a valid Boating Safety Certificate and failing to maintain a proper lookout.
Pearson voluntarily surrendered to New Jersey State Police at the Troop C Tuckerton Station on Aug. 19. Following a detention
hearing on Aug. 21, she was released while the case continues.
A Memorial Day Trip Ends in Tragedy
The May 25 crash involved six people aboard the vessel.
State Police said the boat struck a channel marker at about 5:45 p.m., ejecting two occupants into the water. Gunnar Pearson, of Barnegat, later died from the injuries he suffered in the crash.
The accident became one of the serious boating incidents reported on Barnegat Bay during the busy summer boating season.
Remembering Gunnar Pearson
Gunnar Pearson was 28 and had recently completed renovations on his first home in Forked River.
According to his obituary, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved skiing, fishing, boating, running and hunting. He was also a graduate of Barnegat High School, served as a lifeguard on Long Beach Island and later served in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.
His obituary described him as kind, funny and deeply caring, with strong ties to his family and community.
The criminal case against Jennifer Pearson is now moving through the New Jersey court system.
Note: The charges are allegations. Pearson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: EyeOnLodi / Daily Voice
By NJ RADAR Team