Overview
- A recreational boat carrying six people hit a navigational day or channel marker near 63rd Street off Long Beach Island on Monday evening, throwing two passengers from the vessel.
- Two people were ejected and taken to a hospital in critical condition, and one of those passengers, 28-year-old Gunnar Pearson, later died from his injuries.
- Four other occupants suffered minor injuries and were treated at area hospitals after emergency crews responded to the scene on Memorial Day.
- Authorities have not released what caused the collision or identified the boat operator and the state police investigation is ongoing.
- Channel or day markers are buoys or small fixed aids that mark safe navigation routes in bays and inlets, and officials may use this crash to review boating safety as the summer recreational season begins.