Teen Lifeguard Ryder Williams Saves Child from Rough Waves

A 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams has been celebrated for his bravery after rescuing a child caught in the tumultuous surf at Santa Cruz, California. Cary Epstein, a fellow lifeguard at Jones Beach, described the details of the heroic rescue. Williams faced aggressive waves but successfully brought the struggling boy back to safety.

In another incident, a man from New Jersey is facing serious charges after a late-night boating accident in Barnegat Bay that led to the death of a 26-year-old passenger and left two others critically injured. This occurred along the Jersey Shore in late July.

Kevin Wells, 40, from Warren, New Jersey, was arrested by New Jersey State Police on Friday. He’s been charged with vehicular homicide and two counts of assault by vessel while being under the influence.

Law enforcement reported that the troopers responded to a severe vessel collision just before 11 p.m. on July 25 in Toms River Township along the Intracoastal Waterway. According to investigations, Wells was operating a 32-foot Boston Whaler when his boat hit a channel marker.

Following the collision, Wells managed to guide the damaged boat to a residence on Silver Lagoon Drive, where emergency services provided assistance.

Aboard the vessel was Michael T. Bereheiko, 26, from Green Brook, New Jersey, who was transported to a local hospital but unfortunately passed away there. Additionally, two passengers, Steven Pochick and Nicholas Cherasaro, both 27 years old, suffered significant injuries and were also taken to the hospital. Another passenger, 24-year-old Sarah Stulh, sustained minor injuries.

Bereheiko’s obituary noted that he graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 2017, where he was a well-regarded varsity football player, known affectionately as “Bear.” He later attended Lincoln Tech to become a heavy diesel mechanic and worked with Schifano Construction Corporation, showcasing a passion for mechanical work and spending time by the Jersey Shore.

Wells was booked into Ocean County Jail following his arrest and is being held without bail, awaiting his court detention hearing. The investigation into the crash continues as multiple fatal boating incidents linked to intoxication have occurred in the area this summer.

Another case emerged when authorities charged Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, in August for a separate fatal boating incident on Memorial Day. It was reported she was intoxicated while operating a 23-foot vessel, resulting in a crash that culminated in her son’s tragic death.

Authorities indicated that during questioning, they detected alcohol on Pearson, who admitted to drinking earlier that day. In yet another tragic occurrence, a 64-year-old man named Stephen Schneider faced charges following a crash that resulted in the deaths of his two grandchildren after his boat struck a channel marker. Reports indicated that, at the time, his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

The ongoing issues of boating safety and the effects of intoxication continue to raise concerns as more incidents unfold on the waters this summer.