MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The accident report from a Memorial Day boat crash that injured a dozen people on Cheat Lake points to alcohol use, drug use and excessive speed as crash factors.
The Division of Natural Resources released the report Thursday afternoon.
Operator Brandon Solomon, 20 of Morgantown, surrendered to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday. He faces 13 misdemeanor charges; eleven of those charges are boating under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances causing injury.
DNR investigator Aaron Clevenger wrote Solomon fell from behind the wheel area and lost control of the 2005 Malibu Wakesetter shortly before 9 p.m. May 25.
Click to read the entire report.
The boat crashed ashore near Warm Hollow road not far from Cheat Lake’s Sunset Beach Marina.
A week ago, the DNR released the names of the victims. They include:
Jacob Alexander, Reid Bailey, Rachel Coyle, Carley Dellasala, Michael Gaudino, Morgan Gerdon, Tyler Geyer, Bret Grady, Macy Robles, Brandon Solomon, Hannah Spangler and Carly Weinstien
Clevenger’s report said Solomon had been using drugs and alcohol before the crash. He is free on $32,000 bond.
According to the accident report, nobody on board was wearing a life jacket. All 11 passengers and the operator suffered injuries, some critical, requiring them to be rushed to the hospital.
An estimated $25,000 worth of damage was done to the boat.