The Nyack man who accidentally piloted a speedboat into a Tappan Zee Bridge construction barge Friday evening—resulting in the death of two passengers, and serious injuries to four others—may see charges beyond what he is already facing, officials told Patch.
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said his office is seeking upgraded charges against Jojo K. John, 35, in the fatal boat accident. Police believe alcohol may have been involved.
The accident south of the Tappan Zee Bridge killed bride-to-be Lindsey Stewart and her fiancé’s best man, Mark Lennon.
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Official identification of their bodies—pulled from the choppy Hudson waters over the weekend—and autopsy results are expected from Medical Examiner’s Office late Monday. Prosecutors are also waiting the results of toxicology testing from the New York State Police.
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John was charged Saturday with one count of Vehicular Manslaughter, Second Degree, a class “D” Felony and three counts of Vehicular Assault, Second Degree, class “E” Felonies.
John was arraigned while being treated in Nyack Hospital; bail was set at $250,000.
Zugibe said Grand Jury Notice was served at the arraignment.
The investigation into the accident by the district attorney’s office, Rockland County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies is continuing. Stewarts’s fiancé, Brian Bond of Pearl River, was one of those injured during the accident.
"The investigation into this tragic accident will be detailed and complete, including survivor and witness interviews and a thorough analysis of evidence," Zugibe said.
Officials with the Thruway and bridge project told Patch the barge was properly lit the night of the accident. New lights have recently been added to the barges.
According to Dan Weiller, the director of media relations and communications for the New York State Thruway Authority, the additional lights were put in Saturday by Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC as a precaution.
Officials with the Coast Guard said the barge operators did not play a negligent role in the accident."What we determined was the barge was lit in accordance with federal regulations," said Charles Rowe, a spokesman with the Coast Guard. "The barge was where it was supposed to be, in a declared safety zone."
Local politicians have sounded off in the wake of the tragedy, and called for bolstered boating safety measures on the New York waterway.
"New York must get serious about making sure that boaters understand the proper rules, regulations, and procedures of operating these powerful machines," Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) told Patch. "This includes strengthening our BWI laws and enforcing stronger punishments for those who consume alcohol and operate a vessel."
"Commuter safety does not end on paved roadways," he added.
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