# Fatal New Jersey boating crash investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-new-jersey-boating-crash-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-02T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Kevin Wells, 40, has been arrested and charged with reckless vessel homicide following a fatal boating accident near Toms River, New Jersey. On July 25, Wells allegedly operated a 32-foot Boston Whaler while intoxicated, striking a channel marker. The collision killed 26-year-old passenger Michael T. Bereheiko and caused injuries to three other individuals.

Subsequent investigations revealed that 131 containers of alcohol were found aboard the vessel, including vodka-mixed drinks and beer. Court documents indicate that Wells had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12%, which exceeds the New Jersey legal limit of 0.08%. An affidavit states that Wells admitted to drinking during the trip and had consumed four alcoholic beverages at a waterfront bistro prior to the accident. Wells faces additional charges of assault by vessel while intoxicated or refusing a blood alcohol test.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: New Jersey man charged in fatal Barnegat Bay boating crash

Kevin Wells faces homicide charges after a drunk boating crash in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, killed one person and injured three others. Investigators found 131 alcohol containers on the vessel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-man-charged-in-fatal-barnegat-bay-boating-crash

### 2026-08-31: Kevin Wells charged with homicide in fatal New Jersey boating crash

Kevin Wells, 40, faces homicide charges after an allegedly intoxicated boating crash near Toms River, NJ, killed a 26-year-old passenger. This is the third such fatal crash at the Jersey Shore this summer.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kevin-wells-charged-with-homicide-in-fatal-new-jersey-boating-crash

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Cite as: Fatal New Jersey boating crash investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-new-jersey-boating-crash-investigation