A Suffolk County grand jury indicted Boston resident Lawrence Shieh in connection with a May 13 boat crash in Boston Harbor that killed 24-year-old Elizabeth Dankert and injured two other women. Prosecutors allege that Shieh was intoxicated, had both hands off the wheel shortly before impact and was operating a boat taken without permission. The vessel struck a pier near Logan International Airport at about 36 mph, according to data cited by the district attorney. Shieh faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and operating a boat under the influence causing death.
The crash occurred after an evening of drinking at several bars in Boston’s Seaport District. Prosecutors said a blood test recorded Shieh’s blood-alcohol level at 0.20, more than twice Massachusetts’ legal limit of 0.08. Dankert, a former Union College soccer player from Andover, died from blunt force injuries.
Shieh was released after posting $25,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial conference on October 8. His attorney said Shieh had no criminal record and was attending scheduled appointments after the incident.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Indictment follows deadly Boston Harbor crash |
| 2) | Prosecutors describe alleged intoxicated operation |
| 3) | Boat was allegedly taken without authorization |
| 4) | Victim remembered as a former college athlete |
| 5) | Bail conditions and next court date |
Indictment follows deadly Boston Harbor crash
The Suffolk County grand jury indictment concerns the May 13, 2026, collision near Pier 4R at Boston’s Logan International Airport. Prosecutors said Shieh was operating the boat when it struck the pier nearly head-on. The impact killed Dankert and caused non-life-threatening injuries to two other women and Shieh.
The charges announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden include one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of operating a boat under the influence causing death, two counts of operating a boat under the influence causing serious bodily injury, using a boat without authority and violating a Logan Airport security zone.
Prosecutors describe alleged intoxicated operation
According to prosecutors, Shieh had spent the night drinking a mix of alcoholic beverages at the ReelHouse and other bars in the Seaport before the crash. A post-crash blood test allegedly measured his blood-alcohol level at 0.20, compared with Massachusetts’ legal limit of 0.08.
Investigators also reviewed cellphone footage, including video recorded on Dankert’s phone. Hayden said the footage showed Shieh inattentive at the helm, dancing and interacting with the three young women aboard. Prosecutors said he had both hands off the steering wheel about six seconds before the collision.
“Approximately six seconds before the crash, Shieh is captured on video with both hands off the wheel of the boat,” Kevin Hayden said.
Boat was allegedly taken without authorization
The boat had been docked at Freedom Boat Club in Boston’s Seaport District and was not equipped with exterior lighting, prosecutors said. Although Shieh was a club member, authorities allege that he did not have permission to remove the vessel.
Navigation data recovered from the boat indicated that it was traveling at approximately 36 mph when it reached the pier. Prosecutors described that speed as dangerously excessive for the area. The alleged lack of exterior lighting, the speed and the conduct captured on video are central elements of the case.
Victim remembered as a former college athlete
Elizabeth Dankert, known as Lizzie, was from Andover and graduated from Union College in 2024. She played soccer during her four years at the college and was remembered by the institution as an accomplished student-athlete who made a significant contribution to the campus community.
Dankert died after striking her head in the crash. The two other women aboard survived with injuries that prosecutors described as non-life-threatening. The collision took place near an airport runway, adding a security-zone allegation to the charges against Shieh.
“Lizzie was an exceptional student-athlete who had a tremendous impact during her four years at Union College,” Phillip Wajda, a college spokesperson, said.
Bail conditions and next court date
At his first hearing, Shieh received a $25,000 cash bail. The court ordered him to avoid contact with the female witnesses, employees of Fan Pier and Freedom Boat Club, and to stay away from the ReelHouse in the Seaport.
The conditions also prohibit Shieh from boating or consuming alcohol while the investigation continues. His attorney, Nick Pisegna, said Shieh had no prior criminal record and had been diligently attending appointments following the crash. Shieh posted bail and was released.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Elizabeth Dankert died after the May 13 boat collision. |
| 2 | Prosecutors allege Shieh’s blood-alcohol level was 0.20. |
| 3 | The boat allegedly traveled at about 36 mph and lacked exterior lighting. |
| 4 | Shieh faces six charges connected to the crash and boat use. |
Summary
The indictment alleges that intoxication, inattention, excessive speed and unauthorized use of a boat contributed to the fatal Boston Harbor collision. The case will proceed while Shieh remains subject to restrictions on alcohol, boating and contact with witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the crash?
Elizabeth Dankert, a 24-year-old former Union College soccer player from Andover, died from blunt force injuries.
What charges does Lawrence Shieh face?
He faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, operating a boat under the influence causing death, two counts involving serious injury, using a boat without authority and a Logan Airport security-zone violation.
When is the next court hearing?
Shieh is scheduled to return to court on October 8 at 2 p.m. for a pre-trial conference.
