A Memorial Day outing in the waters off Long Beach Island ended in tragedy after a boat carrying six people crashed into a navigational marker in Barnegat Bay, killing a young New Jersey man and leaving another person fighting for their life.
Authorities said the deadly accident happened around 5:45 p.m. Monday near the Brant Beach section of Long Beach Township. According to New Jersey State Police, the vessel struck a day marker in the bay near Bayview and West Goldsborough avenues, throwing two people into the water during the violent impact.
One of those victims was identified as 28-year-old Gunnar Pearson of Barnegat. Police said Pearson suffered critical injuries in the crash and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. His death sent shockwaves through the local shore community as families were still wrapping up holiday celebrations along the coast.
Investigators said another person who was ejected from the boat remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday. Officials have not released that victim’s identity. Four other people aboard the vessel suffered minor injuries and were also taken to nearby hospitals for treatment after the crash.
State police said the incident involved only one vessel. No other boats were connected to the accident. Investigators have not yet shared details about how fast the boat was traveling or who was operating it when it struck the marker in the bay.
The crash happened in one of the busiest boating areas along the Jersey Shore during Memorial Day weekend, when waterways are usually packed with residents and visitors enjoying the unofficial start of summer. Witnesses nearby reportedly watched emergency crews rush toward the scene moments after the collision.
Marine units with the New Jersey State Police are continuing to investigate exactly what led up to the deadly crash. Officials have not announced whether weather, visibility, speed, or alcohol played any role in the incident.
For many in the Barnegat and Long Beach Island communities, the heartbreaking loss of Gunnar Pearson turned what should have been a joyful holiday into a painful reminder of how quickly a day on the water can turn deadly.
