A New Jersey man faces felony charges after a late-night boating crash in Barnegat Bay killed one passenger and seriously injured two others. New Jersey State Police allege that Kevin Wells was intoxicated while operating a 32-foot boat that struck a channel marker in Toms River Township on July 25. The crash is at least the third fatal boating collision involving alleged impairment reported along the Jersey Shore this summer. Wells remains held without bail while the investigation continues.
The incident has renewed attention on boating safety in the region, where separate fatal crashes in recent months also involved channel markers and allegations of impaired operation.
| 1) | Charges follow a deadly Barnegat Bay collision |
| 2) | Passenger dies after boat strikes channel marker |
| 3) | Investigation and detention proceedings remain active |
| 4) | Two other fatal crashes add to a deadly summer |
| 5) | Victim remembered for football and mechanical talent |
Charges follow a deadly Barnegat Bay collision
Kevin Wells, 40, of Warren, New Jersey, was arrested by troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau on Friday. He was charged with vehicular homicide and two counts of assault by vessel while intoxicated.
The charges stem from a crash reported shortly before 11 p.m. on July 25 in the Intracoastal Waterway in Toms River Township. Investigators allege Wells was operating a 32-foot Boston Whaler when it struck a channel marker. The case remains an allegation, and the charges will be addressed through the court process.
Passenger dies after boat strikes channel marker
After the collision, investigators said Wells navigated the damaged vessel to a private residence on Silver Lagoon Drive in Toms River Township. Emergency personnel arrived there to provide aid to the people aboard.
Passenger Michael T. Bereheiko, 26, of Green Brook, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Steven Pochick, 27, of Green Brook, and Nicholas Cherasaro, 27, of North Plainfield, suffered serious injuries and were also transported for medical treatment. A fourth passenger, Sarah Stulh, 24, of Bayville, sustained minor injuries.
Investigation and detention proceedings remain active
Following his arrest, Wells was booked into the Ocean County Jail. Jail records indicate that he is being held without bail pending a formal detention hearing.
State police said the investigation remains active. The pending proceedings will determine how the allegations move forward and whether additional evidence or charges emerge. No finding of guilt has been established in the case.
Two other fatal crashes add to a deadly summer
The Toms River Township crash is at least the third fatal boating collision involving alleged impairment in the area this summer. In a separate Memorial Day crash, authorities charged Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, of Barnegat, after her 23-foot center-console boat collided with a channel marker near Brant Beach in Barnegat Bay.
Authorities alleged Pearson was intoxicated while operating the vessel. Her 28-year-old son, Gunnar Pearson, was ejected along with his girlfriend. Gunnar Pearson later died at a hospital, while four other people suffered minor injuries. Pearson faces charges including second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a Boating Safety Certificate and failure to keep a proper lookout.
Authorities also charged Stephen Schneider, 64, after a July 19 collision near Berkeley Township. His boat struck a channel marker, killing his grandchildren, 9-year-old Mya Bella Golabek and 7-year-old Sigmund Paul Golabek. Schneider faces two counts of reckless vessel homicide, and authorities alleged he was intoxicated during the crash.
Victim remembered for football and mechanical talent
Michael T. Bereheiko was remembered by his family as someone with a natural mechanical talent who enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore. He graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 2017, where he played varsity football on offense and defense.
Family members said teammates affectionately called him “Bear.” Bereheiko later attended Lincoln Tech to study diesel mechanics and worked for Schifano Construction Corporation in Middlesex. His death followed a crash involving people who had been traveling together on the Jersey Shore waterway.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin Wells faces vehicular homicide and assault by vessel charges. |
| 2 | The July 25 crash occurred on the Intracoastal Waterway in Toms River Township. |
| 3 | Michael T. Bereheiko died, two passengers were seriously injured and one sustained minor injuries. |
| 4 | Wells is being held without bail pending a detention hearing. |
| 5 | The crash is at least the third fatal boating collision involving alleged impairment in the area this summer. |
Summary
The July 25 crash illustrates the severe consequences of alleged impaired boating on crowded waterways. With one passenger dead, three others injured and the investigation still underway, the case will now proceed through detention and criminal court proceedings. Separate fatal crashes involving alleged impairment have contributed to a particularly deadly summer on the Jersey Shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Kevin Wells face?
Wells faces one charge of vehicular homicide and two counts of assault by vessel while intoxicated.
Where and when did the crash occur?
The crash occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on July 25 in the Intracoastal Waterway in Toms River Township, New Jersey.
How many people were affected?
One passenger, Michael T. Bereheiko, died. Two passengers suffered serious injuries, and a fourth passenger sustained minor injuries.
What is the status of the case?
Wells is being held without bail pending a formal detention hearing, while state police continue their investigation.
