A 40-year-old man from Vass, North Carolina, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly driving a boat while intoxicated into a group of swimmers on Harris Lake, killing a 10-year-old girl and critically injuring a woman on August 2, 2025.
Quinten Gregory Knight was arrested and charged with Operating While Impaired, Death by Impaired Boating, reckless operation, and causing serious injury by impaired boating. The collision occurred before 4:35 p.m. on Saturday when Knight struck Brooklyn Mae Carroll, a rising fifth grader at West Lake Elementary School, and Jennifer Stehle, a school social worker with Wake County Public School System.
Carroll was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Stehle suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital, where surgeons amputated her left leg above the knee. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, her right leg was also injured, though medical personnel believed they had saved it. Stehle’s sister-in-law Kristie reported that she remained in critical condition following the incident.
Investigators discovered 39 empty beer cans aboard Knight’s Tiger Wake Boat following the crash, according to Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman. Authorities determined that Knight was allegedly looking backward toward a tube he was towing at the time of the incident and attempted to dispose of the alcohol containers afterward.
An arrest warrant indicated Knight was under the influence of an impairing substance when he unintentionally caused the death of the child. North Carolina Wildlife Commission Sergeant Claude Smith reported that Knight drove his girlfriend’s boat into three swimmers before officers arrested him at the Cross Point Access Area.
Knight’s girlfriend, Annemarie Flanigan of Vass, who owned the boat and allegedly allowed Knight to operate it while impaired, was arrested on Tuesday. Flanigan faces charges of aiding and abetting felony death by impaired boating, aiding and abetting felony serious injury by impaired boating, and aiding and abetting DWI on a motor boat.
Sheriff Mike Roberson addressed the incident in a statement, describing it as a heartbreaking but preventable accident where alcohol played a factor. Roberson emphasized that “it only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever” when urging the public to avoid mixing alcohol with watercraft operation.
The tragedy has deeply affected the West Lake Elementary School community, where Carroll was a student. Family member Sarah Hammond described the child as having an infectious smile, loving heart, and spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Hammond noted that Carroll’s laughter, kindness, and energy brought joy to her family and friends, leaving her parents Kim and Matt facing every parent’s worst nightmare.
Kristie Stehle released a statement requesting thoughts and prayers for both families affected by the tragedy. She emphasized that her family and friend had done everything right, but because of reckless and selfish decisions, both families now face trauma and permanent change. Stehle characterized the incident as a heartbreaking reminder that every choice can deeply affect the lives of others.
A GoFundMe page established to assist with Jennifer Stehle’s medical expenses has raised more than $13,000 toward a $35,000 goal. The fundraising description notes that Stehle, who works as a wife, mother, and school social worker, sustained severe injuries and faces a long, challenging recovery process.
Court records reveal that Knight has a pending hit-and-run charge from a December 2023 incident in Moore County, where he was accused of felony hit and run causing injuries. Knight is currently being held on a $500,000 secured bond while facing the current charges.
Local boaters expressed their shock and disapproval of the incident. Craig Schnier told reporters that drinking and driving in a car is totally unacceptable, but drinking on a boat represents a totally different level of irresponsibility. Mark Macchioni emphasized the importance of maintaining constant vigilance while boating, regardless of other people’s actions, particularly when individuals are wakeboarding or engaged in water activities.
Harris Lake, located in southeastern Chatham County approximately 30 miles southwest of Raleigh, serves as a popular summer destination for families participating in boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
