Overview
- The July 25 crash occurred when a 32-foot Boston Whaler struck a channel marker in the Intracoastal Waterway near Toms River, killing 26-year-old passenger Michael T. Bereheiko and injuring three others.
- Kevin Wells, 40, was booked after state troopers arrested him and has been charged with reckless or vehicular vessel homicide and two counts of assault by vessel while intoxicated.
- Investigators searched the boat under a court order on Aug. 4 and documented 131 cans and bottles of alcohol onboard, and authorities received a reported blood-alcohol result of about 0.12% before filing charges.
- A judge initially held Wells in county custody and then ordered his release under conditions that bar him from operating vessels, consuming alcohol, or contacting victims while the case proceeds.
- The crash is at least the third fatal Jersey Shore incident this summer that involved an alleged intoxicated operator colliding with a channel marker, and prosecutors say investigations and potential prosecutions remain active as officials review boating safety and enforcement.