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.
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Nov 11, 2019, 10:31 AM
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Updated 1,913 days ago
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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.
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