Officials Release Details In Boat Crash That Resulted In Death Of Teen

A boat was traveling northbound when it reached a curve and collided head-on with a vessel that was heading southbound.

Further details have been released regarding a fatal boat crash that occurred last month.

The accident happened on May 8 along the Waccamaw River near Conway. 19-year-old Canon Burkett was operating a boat northbound when it reached a curve and collided head-on with a vessel that was heading southbound.

The report says the southbound boat struck Burkett’s vessel, causing it to overturn and sink. Burkett and his passenger were thrown into the water. Burkett drowned and was later recovered by a dive team. He did not survive the injuries he sustained. His passenger was an 18-year-old female who suffered serious injuries including broken bones and was taken to a hospital.

A 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were occupants of the other boat who were treated at the scene. Investigators listed a violation of navigation rules and alcohol use as contributing factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.