CHATHAM COUNTY, NC – A North Carolina boating accident turned deadly when Quinten Kight, allegedly intoxicated with a .17 blood alcohol content (BAC), struck 10-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll and 41-year-old Jennifer Stehle with his boat on the Shearon Harris Reservoir, leaving Brooklyn dead and Stehle requiring a leg amputation. Lawsuits filed by the victims’ families detail shocking claims of negligence and efforts to cover up evidence after the crash.
Alleged Attempt to Destroy Evidence
Instead of helping the victims, Kight allegedly told friends on the boat to “toss everything overboard”, referring to nearly 100 cans of White Claw and other alcoholic beverages present during the fatal outing. Authorities say investigators found 39 empty cans on the boat and 50 or more in the water, according to the lawsuits.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
The lawsuits allege that the day began with Kight and his girlfriend, Annemarie Flanigan, purchasing 80 to 100 alcoholic beverages before heading to the lake around 11 a.m. Brooklyn, a friend of Stehle’s daughter, and Stehle spent the morning tubing and playing on a rope swing. Later, the group moved to a swimming area near the boat.
By afternoon, Kight had reportedly spent hours drinking, and witnesses say it was obvious he was intoxicated. Despite this, Kight was the only person operating the boat, which carried multiple adults, including Flanigan, who had not been drinking.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Kight was pulling wakeboarders when one fell off. Looking back at the wakeboarders, he allegedly failed to notice Brooklyn and Stehle in the water, driving the boat directly over them. The boat struck the victims so forcefully that the propeller broke off, according to the lawsuits.
Legal Action and Charges
Following the accident, Kight and Flanigan were arrested and remain in Chatham County Jail on $1 million bonds. Both are facing charges including death or serious injury by impaired boating and, more recently, second-degree murder.
Separate lawsuits have been filed by Brooklyn’s family and by Stehle, accusing Kight, Flanigan, the boat’s owner, and eight others on the vessel of negligence. Plaintiffs allege that Kight’s reckless decisions and intoxication caused “devastating and irreversible injuries, shattering the lives and wellbeing of two innocent families forever.”
Victims and Community Impact
Brooklyn’s parents attended a bond hearing for Flanigan and were visibly emotional. In a statement, they said:
“Instead of taking our beloved Brooklyn to school today, we attended a criminal bond hearing for one of the people accused with her death… we thank the Chatham County District Attorney’s office and law enforcement for their undivided attention to this case.”
Stehle continues her long recovery process, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, stating:
“The meals, visits, messages, and prayers have been more than acts of kindness. They have been lifelines holding us together during the most difficult days of our lives.”
Controversy Over Flanigan’s Bond
Flanigan, a recently retired U.S. Army combat nurse, requested her bond be lowered, citing the care of her 19-year-old son with autism. Prosecutors opposed reducing the bond, arguing that Flanigan knowingly allowed Kight to operate the boat while intoxicated, despite witnessing his history of risky behavior.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of the crash. The lawsuits shed light on what happened leading up to the tragedy, including the purchase of large amounts of alcohol, multiple warnings of intoxication, and Kight’s deliberate actions after the accident. Both Kight and Flanigan remain in custody as legal proceedings continue.
Call to Action
This tragedy highlights the dangers of impaired boating and raises questions about responsibility and accountability on recreational vessels. Share your thoughts in the comments below—how can communities and authorities better prevent such deadly accidents on lakes and waterways?
