New Jersey woman charged in fatal boating accident

Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, has been charged in connection with the death of her 28-year-old son, Gunnar Pearson, following a boating accident in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. The incident occurred on May 25 during the Memorial Day weekend near the Brant Beach Yacht Club.

According to court documents, Pearson was operating a 23-foot center console boat when it struck a navigation marker. The collision threw Gunnar Pearson and his girlfriend into the water. While both were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, Gunnar later died from his injuries. Four other passengers on board sustained minor injuries.

Pearson surrendered to the New Jersey State Police on August 20, nearly three months after the accident. Authorities stated that blood alcohol tests revealed her level was between 0.09 and 0.12, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08. She faces charges including causing the death of another while operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a boating safety certificate, and failure to maintain a proper lookout. She is currently held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.