Boating Accident Claims Life of Former Student-Athlete
A tragic boating accident in Massachusetts has resulted in the death of a 24-year-old former student-athlete. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dunkert, who previously played soccer for Union College, was killed when the powerboat she was on collided with a pier near Logan International Airport around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Massachusetts State Police.
This incident drew attention when it was reported that Lizzie and her friends had boarded the boat without permission after the boat club had closed for the night. Lee Gordon, a spokesperson for Brunswick Corporation, which owns the Freedom Boat Club, confirmed to Fox News that Dunkert and her friends were in Boston’s Seaport area that evening and accessed the vessel after hours.
The Freedom Boat Club is essentially a membership-driven alternative to boat ownership, with locations around the globe.
“The vessel involved in the incident was taken without authorization and was operated outside the club’s control, well after it had closed,” Gordon stated. “This activity did not align with the club’s normal operations or guidelines.” He mentioned that they are fully cooperating with the authorities during the investigation.
Emergency services reported that the recovery efforts were made particularly challenging due to the darkness and slippery conditions along the shoreline. Four people were rescued from the rocks, one of whom sustained serious injuries.
Driver Lawrence Shea, 40, along with Dunkert’s two 23-year-old friends, were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. Thankfully, the injuries of the three individuals were not life-threatening, according to a local news source.
“Lizzie was an outstanding student-athlete who left a significant mark during her four years at Union,” said school spokesman Philip Wajda in a statement. “Her loss is felt deeply within our campus community.”
The investigation into the accident is currently being conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. No immediate comments were made by the law firm involved in the case.
