A 59-year-old New Jersey mother, Jennifer L. Pearson, is facing serious charges, including death by vessel, after allegedly operating her boat while intoxicated and crashing into a channel marker on Memorial Day, resulting in the death of her 28-year-old son, Gunnar Pearson. The fatal incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. in Barnegat Bay near the Brant Beach Yacht Club when Pearson’s 23-foot boat collided with the marker, ejecting Gunnar and his girlfriend into the water. While Gunnar Pearson was rushed to the hospital and later died, four others sustained minor injuries. Pearson, whose blood alcohol level was reportedly between .09 and .12, just over the legal limit of .08, also faces charges for reckless operation, boating without a certificate, and failure to maintain a proper lookout. Investigators noted the smell of alcohol upon her arrival to speak with them, and she admitted to consuming two alcoholic drinks earlier that day. Gunnar Pearson, remembered as a kind and caring outdoorsman who had recently renovated his first home, found his greatest joy in spending time with loved ones, making his tragic death a profound loss for his family and friends.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
