Loved One Killed in a Boating Accident? Operator Pleads Guilty in Bridal Death

Updating a story we brought you last year, Jojo John pleaded guilty recently to two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter for the boat crash deaths of bride-to-be Lindsey Stewart and her fiancé’s best man Mark Lennon.

The crash caught national headlines last year, and the pleading concluded one of the most visible criminal cases in the area in several years. The boat accident occurred on July 26, 2013, when John, 36, of Nyack, crashed a speedboat into a Tappan Zee Bridge construction barge in the Hudson River.

It was later discovered that John’s blood tested positive for alcohol and cocaine.

The crash killed Stewart and Lennon, and left both John and Stewart’s fiancé Brian Bond injured. As a part of a plea deal, John is expected to face no more than two years in prison, far less than the maximum 15 years he potentially faced for 18 separate counts.

According to the Rockland County Times, sentencing is expected to take place on September 16. John was expected to argue the crash was caused by a lack of lighting on the barge.

Currently, John is facing civil lawsuits brought on by Stewart and Lennon’s families, and others who were injured in the crash. Most of the injury victims were in town to participate in the wedding.

What Should I Do If My Loved One Is Injured in a New York or New Jersey Boating Accident?

Keep this case in mind while you are out celebrating the Fourth of July holiday this Friday. Boating under the influence of alcohol is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Anyone who operates a watercraft while intoxicated puts his or herself at risk, as well as the passengers onboard and other boaters in the water.

KGG lawyer Barry S. Kantrowitz assists personal injury victims and family members. Our attorneys also handle wrongful death cases. Contact us toll free at (866) 971-0927 to schedule a free initial consultation or complete the form on this page to let our skilled attorneys review your case.

For more information, you can also visit our Facebook page, LinkedIn page, Google+ page or our Twitter page. Contact us today.

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Bergen County Injury Lawyers

KGG’s Corner: In 2011, there were 4,588 boating accidents nationally, involving 758 deaths, 3081 injuries, according to the US Coast Guard.

Source: http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2014/06/09/jojo-john-pleads-guilty-in-fatal-boat-crash-case/