Police: Boat operator charged with BWI in deadly Mattituck crash

The operator of the boat that was involved in a deadly Mattituck crash is facing boating while intoxicated charges, according to police.

News 12 Staff

Nov 11, 2019, 10:31 AM

Updated 1,634 days ago

Share:

The boat operator in a fatal boat crash Sunday night in Mattituck has been charged with BWI.
Police say 48-year-old Frank DiStefano, of East Northport, was the intoxicated driver. He slammed a 39-foot boat into a bulk head. Police say the accident happened in the area of James Creek near the end of Old Salt Road.
The crash killed 27-year-old Kelley Blanchard, of Riverhead. Three other people, including DiStefano, were seriously injured in the crash. Nick Soulas, of Jamesport, and Megan Blanchard, of New Suffolk, were also seriously injured in the crash.
DiStefano's arraignment will take place at a later date, and the Suffolk DA is assisting with the investigation to find out how fast the boat was going.
People in the home nearby told News 12 they heard a boom when the crash happened.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Blanchard:  For Kelley Blanchard.
 


More from News 12
2:28
Stony Brook University officials: 29 people arrested on campus as students hold pro-Palestinian protest

Stony Brook University officials: 29 people arrested on campus as students hold pro-Palestinian protest

2:00
Warm temps today ahead of some wet weather for the weekend

Warm temps today ahead of some wet weather for the weekend

1:49
‘I am troubled by it.’ Students express mixed emotions following pro-Palestinian protest, arrests on Stony Brook University campus

‘I am troubled by it.’ Students express mixed emotions following pro-Palestinian protest, arrests on Stony Brook University campus

1:03
Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

1:51
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

0:23
3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:54
Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

0:25
Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

1:37
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:13
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments