Authorities discovered more than 130 alcohol containers on a boat operated by a driver accused of being intoxicated in a fatal crash on the Barnegat Bay in New Jersey on July 25. The incident resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to three others.
Kevin Wells, 40, was charged with reckless vessel homicide and assault by vessel while intoxicated. He has since been released from custody under specific conditions, including not operating a vessel or consuming alcohol. According to court documents, Wells admitted to drinking throughout the day of the crash. His blood-alcohol content was reported as 0.12%, exceeding New Jersey's legal limit of 0.08% for operating motor vehicles.
State police investigators found the extensive collection of opened and unopened alcohol, including cans of mixed vodka drinks and beer, and bottles of vodka, in coolers and other areas of the 32-foot Boston Whaler after obtaining a court order for a search on August 4. Police noted Wells had watery, bloodshot eyes upon their arrival following the collision.
The boat struck a channel marker near the Route 37 bridges around 10:40 p.m. The passenger who died was identified as 26-year-old Michael T. Bereheiko. Two other passengers, both 27-year-old men, sustained serious injuries, and a 24-year-old woman suffered minor scrapes. The victims were transported to local hospitals, where Bereheiko was pronounced deceased.
Prior to the crash, Wells and his passengers had dined at B2 Bistro + Bar in Bayville for approximately two hours, departing around 10:15 p.m. Security camera footage from the establishment allegedly shows Wells consuming four alcoholic beverages during their meal. The group was heading towards Silver Lagoon Drive in Toms River when the crash occurred.
Wells was detained by state troopers after failing field sobriety tests. His blood test results were received by police on August 25, leading to his arrest three days later. He appeared in Superior Court of Ocean County and was released based on factors including his military service, family support, and community ties, according to his attorney.
This incident marks the third fatal boating crash on the Barnegat Bay this summer involving alleged intoxicated boaters. Previous incidents include a Memorial Day crash that killed Gunnar Pearson, 28, and a July 19 crash where two grandchildren of the operator, Stephen Schneider, 64, died.