Update: Barnegat Bay Boat Crash Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

Update: Barnegat Bay Boat Crash Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

A Somerset County man was killed and three others were injured on July 25 after the boat they were traveling in struck a channel marker in Barnegat Bay, according to authorities.

Michael T. Bereheiko, 26, of Green Brook, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital following the crash. Two other passengers — Steven Pochick, 27, also of Green Brook, and Nicholas Cherasaro, 27, of North Plainfield — suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized. A fourth passenger, Sarah Stull, 24, of Berkeley Township, sustained minor injuries, New Jersey State Police said.

The crash marks the third fatal boating accident on Barnegat Bay this summer. The incident occurred just one day after the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau issued a warning urging boaters to use caution and prioritize safety while on the water.

State police said troopers were dispatched around 10:56 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious boating accident.

A preliminary investigation determined that Kevin Wells, 39, of Warren, was operating a 32-foot Boston Whaler when the vessel struck an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker. Authorities said Wells was able to navigate the boat to a nearby residence on Silver Lagoon Drive in Toms River, where emergency responders arrived and provided assistance.

The crash remains under investigation, police said.