Crime & Safety

Man Indicted In Georgia Memorial Day Boat Crash That Killed 5: Reports

The defendant faces 10 counts of homicide and other charges in connection with a Memorial Day weekend boat crash that killed five people.

Mark Stegall, 45, was indicted on several charges, including homicide by vessel, Wednesday in connection with a Memorial Day weekend boating crash on the Wilmington River outside Savannah. Five people died in the crash.
Mark Stegall, 45, was indicted on several charges, including homicide by vessel, Wednesday in connection with a Memorial Day weekend boating crash on the Wilmington River outside Savannah. Five people died in the crash. (Shutterstock)

SAVANNAH, GA β€” A man accused of causing a fatal Memorial Day weekend boating accident in Georgia that killed five people was indicted on homicide charges Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Mark Stegall, 45, was indicted in Chatham County on 10 counts of homicide by vessel as well as six counts of serious injury by vessel, boating under the influence, and reckless operation.

Stegall was arrested and charged with boating under the influence after the May 28 crash, which occurred on the Wilmington River outside Savannah. Four people on the other boat β€” Chris, 51, and Lori Leffler, 50, and sons Zach, 23, and Nate, 17 β€” were killed, and a passenger in Stegall's boat, Robert "Stephen" Chauncey, also died.

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A child and an unidentified friend survived the crash.

Stegall was steering the boat down the wrong side of the river at the time of the crash, according to authorities. Boaters are supposed to pass each other on the right.

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The Chatham County District Attorney's Office declined to comment on the case because it is active.


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