Long Beach Township, NJ — A Memorial Day boating trip ended in tragedy after a vessel carrying six people slammed into a channel marker in Barnegat Bay, killing a 28-year-old Barnegat man and critically injuring another passenger. New Jersey State Police confirmed Tuesday that Gunner Pearson died from injuries suffered in the crash near the Brant Beach section of Long Beach Township.
The collision happened around 5:45 p.m. Monday near Bayview and West Goldsboro avenues, where emergency crews responded to reports of a serious boating accident. Investigators said two people were thrown into the water when the boat struck a day marker, while four others aboard suffered minor injuries.
Community Mourns Former Lifeguard
News of Pearson’s death sent shockwaves through the Long Beach Island and Barnegat communities, where friends and neighbors described him as part of a close-knit family known for spending time on the water.
Pearson, a former lifeguard, was among the two passengers ejected from the boat during the impact. The second person thrown from the vessel remained in critical condition as of Tuesday.
Residents said the loss has been felt throughout the community, particularly among those who knew Pearson from school and local sports programs.
Investigation Focuses on What Led to Collision
According to New Jersey State Police, the boat was carrying six people when it struck a channel marker near a marina in the Brant Beach section of Long Beach Township.
Investigators have not released details about what caused the vessel to hit the marker. Authorities also have not disclosed the boat’s speed at the time of the crash or whether weather, visibility, or other factors may have contributed.
Witnesses reported seeing a rapid response unfold after the collision.
The two passengers ejected into the water were airlifted to hospitals with critical injuries. Pearson later died from those injuries.
Key Points
• Gunner Pearson, 28, of Barnegat died after a Memorial Day boating crash in Barnegat Bay.
• A boat carrying six people struck a channel marker near Brant Beach in Long Beach Township.
• Two people were thrown into the water, while four others suffered minor injuries.
Damaged Boat Towed From Scene
The damaged vessel being towed away Monday evening, with visible damage to the bow following the impact.
Boaters familiar with the area noted that day markers can be difficult to spot under certain conditions, though investigators have not identified visibility as a factor.
Authorities have not confirmed the speed of the vessel and have not publicly addressed the witness’s observations.
Questions Remain After Holiday Weekend Tragedy
The fatal crash occurred during Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest boating periods of the year along the Jersey Shore. The incident drew a significant emergency response as first responders worked to rescue victims and secure the scene.
New Jersey State Police have not released the names of the other passengers aboard the vessel, nor have they announced whether alcohol, mechanical issues, or operator error are being investigated.
As detectives continue examining evidence and interviewing those involved, many questions remain unanswered about the moments leading up to the collision.