Ocean County Woman Charged in Fatal Memorial Day Boat Crash That Killed Her Son

Ocean County Woman Charged in Fatal Memorial Day Boat Crash That Killed Her Son

BARNEGAT, NJ — A Barnegat woman has been charged in connection with a Memorial Day boat crash on Barnegat Bay that resulted in the death of her son, New Jersey State Police confirmed Friday.

Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, faces several charges, including second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation of a vessel, operating a vessel without a Boating Safety Certificate and failure to maintain a proper lookout, according to Trooper Christopher Postorino.

Pearson turned herself in to state police at the Troop C Tuckerton Station. She was being held Friday at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Gunnar H. Pearson, 28, of Barnegat, was killed on Memorial Day after he and another person were ejected from the boat, state police previously reported.

An obituary published by Barnegat Funeral Home identifies Jennifer Pearson as Gunnar’s mother.