New Jersey man charged in fatal Barnegat Bay boating crash

Court documents have revealed that 131 containers of alcohol were found aboard a motorboat involved in a fatal crash in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. The vessel, a 32-foot Boston Whaler, struck a channel marker on July 25, resulting in the death of 26-year-old passenger Michael T. Bereheiko and injuries to three others.

Kevin Wells, 40, has been arrested and charged with reckless vessel homicide and two counts of assault by vessel while intoxicated or refusing a blood alcohol test. Investigators discovered a variety of alcohol on the boat, including vodka-mixed drinks, a 30-pack of beer, and bottles of vodka.

Wells reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12%, which exceeds the New Jersey legal limit of 0.08%. According to an affidavit, Wells admitted to drinking during the trip and was observed consuming four alcoholic beverages at a waterfront bistro prior to the accident.