Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, has been charged after authorities said her boat struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay on Memorial Day, killing her 28-year-old son. The crash occurred near the Brant Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach at about 5:45 p.m. Authorities allege Pearson was operating the boat under the influence of alcohol. Her son, Gunnar Pearson, later died at a hospital, while four other people were hospitalized with minor injuries.
Pearson surrendered to New Jersey State Police on August 19 and is being held at the Ocean County Jail. Court documents state that her blood alcohol level was measured between .09 and .12, above the legal limit of .08. The investigation remains ongoing.
| 1) | Crash in Barnegat Bay |
| 2) | Charges filed against the boat operator |
| 3) | Alcohol evidence cited by investigators |
| 4) | Victim remembered by his family |
| 5) | Investigation and legal proceedings |
Crash in Barnegat Bay
The crash happened on Memorial Day near the Brant Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach, New Jersey. According to charging documents, Pearson was operating a 23-foot center-console boat when it allegedly struck a channel marker at approximately 5:45 p.m. The impact sent Gunnar Pearson and his girlfriend into the water.
Gunnar was taken to a hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. Four other people were hospitalized with minor injuries. The circumstances surrounding the collision, including the actions of everyone aboard the boat, remain part of the police investigation.
Charges filed against the boat operator
Pearson faces a second-degree charge of death by vessel, along with allegations of operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation of a vessel, operating a vessel without a boating safety certificate and failure to maintain a proper lookout. The charges were announced by New Jersey State Police.
Pearson voluntarily surrendered at the New Jersey State Police Troop C Tuckerton Station on Wednesday, August 19. She remains held at the Ocean County Jail while the case proceeds. The charges are allegations, and the court process will determine the outcome.
Alcohol evidence cited by investigators
Court documents state that Pearson’s blood alcohol concentration registered between .09 and .12. Those readings were above the .08 legal limit cited in the case. Investigators also reported detecting the smell of alcohol when Pearson arrived to speak with them.
According to the documents, Pearson told investigators that she had consumed two alcoholic drinks earlier that afternoon. Prosecutors are expected to rely on the toxicology results, witness information and other evidence as the case develops. No final determination of criminal responsibility has been made.
Victim remembered by his family
Gunnar Pearson was described in an online obituary as kind, funny and deeply caring. The obituary said he had recently completed renovations on his first home in Forked River and enjoyed outdoor activities including skiing, fishing, boating, running and hunting.
He found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved, whether at home, on the beaches of Long Beach Island, on the ski slopes of Stratton, Vermont, or during family vacations in Maine.
The obituary said those shared moments would remain treasured by the people who knew him. His death followed the injuries he sustained in the boat collision.
Investigation and legal proceedings
New Jersey State Police said the fatal crash remains under investigation. Investigators are examining the collision, the boat’s operation, the safety equipment and the conduct alleged in the charging documents.
Pearson’s surrender allows the criminal case to move forward through the court system. Further proceedings will address the death by vessel charge and the additional boating-related allegations. Authorities have not announced a conclusion to the investigation.
| 1 | The crash occurred on Memorial Day near Long Beach in Barnegat Bay. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Gunnar Pearson, 28, died after being thrown into the water. |
| 3 | Jennifer L. Pearson faces multiple criminal and boating-related charges. |
| 4 | Court documents cite a blood alcohol level between .09 and .12. |
| 5 | Police said the investigation is continuing. |
Summary
The case centers on a fatal Memorial Day boat collision in Barnegat Bay. Authorities allege that Jennifer L. Pearson was impaired when her boat struck a channel marker, causing injuries that killed her son, Gunnar Pearson. Pearson has surrendered and faces several charges, but the investigation and court proceedings remain unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the crash?
Gunnar Pearson, 28, died at a hospital after being injured in the Memorial Day boat collision.
Where did the crash happen?
The crash occurred in Barnegat Bay near the Brant Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach, New Jersey.
What charges does Jennifer Pearson face?
She faces charges including death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a boating safety certificate and failure to have a proper lookout.
What evidence about alcohol was cited?
Court documents state that Pearson’s blood alcohol level was between .09 and .12, and investigators reported smelling alcohol when they spoke with her.